Several world leaders have voiced strong criticism of the Trump administration's imposition of broad tariffs on trade partners, warning of their detrimental impact on the international trade system and the global economy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that the tariffs are pushing the U.S. toward a recession and undermining global trade.
On the same day, Canada requested dispute consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the 25 percent tariffs imposed by the U.S. on imported automobiles and certain auto parts.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also expressed concern on Tuesday about the risk of escalating global trade tensions.
"What actually is concerning me is the shift away from agreed rules and the risks of actually backsliding into a global trade war," he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday that Malaysia would send officials to the U.S. to discuss the 24-percent tariff imposed on Malaysian imports.
He had also called on ASEAN nations on Monday to stand united in response to the U.S. tariffs.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday criticized th U.S. tariff measures, saying they violate the free trade agreement between the two countries and represent "a fundamental rejection of WTO rules."
Wong noted that the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" violate the most favored nation principle in the WTO's multilateral trading system, and will "accelerate the fracturing of the global economy."
U.S. President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order introducing a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" on all imports, including those from New Zealand and Singapore, with higher rates applied to certain trading partners.
World leaders condemn US tariffs, warn of threat to global trade system
