With Friends Like Trump, 'Who Needs Enemies?'

World
Europe

01:53

When it comes to trade, Donald Trump says he's delivering on campaign promises. But his recent moves are angering many - including America's closest allies. ZHANG DAN has the story.

On the first day of March, Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports, that means an impact of around 48 billion US dollars worth of trade.

After a backlash, Trump initially suspended tariffs against Argentina, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, Canada, Mexico and the EU, pending further negotiations. But if negotiations did not make sufficient progress in Trump's eyes, then the tariffs would be imposed at a later date. And that is what has ended up happening.

The US then imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from its key allies in Europe and North America. The moves triggered anger from the world.

DONALD TUSK EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT "Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could even think with friends like that who needs enemies."

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "As it is illegal, we will appeal and we will bring answers."

CHRYSTIA FREELAND CANADA'S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER "This is 16.6 billion dollars of retaliation. This is the strongest trade action Canada has taken in the post-war era. We are imposing dollar for dollar tariffs for every dollar levied against Canadians by the US."

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Theresa May has vowed to work with other EU countries to protect and safeguard our workers and industries' threatened by the policy. But the US says it is still open to negotiations over its steel tariffs, so long as those on the other side of the table make concessions. Zhang Dan, CGTN.