President Trump’s proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and car parts into the United States will significantly disrupt supply chains all around the world. It also risks sparking anger, alienation, and retaliatory actions from American allies. The countries most affected by these new levies, such as South Korea, Japan, Germany, Mexico, and Canada, are already feeling the negative impacts of the Trump administration’s lack of regard for existing free trade deals and unpredictable behavior in security relationships.

Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada, has referred to Trump’s move as “a direct attack.” Other world leaders have responded in a subdued language, indicating that they are still considering how to react, with another round of tariffs expected to come in early April.

“We need to consider what’s best for Japan’s national interest,” said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan on Thursday. “We’re putting all options on the table in considering the most effective response.”

These tariffs, which would affect both American and foreign car companies, increase the chances of a global trade war. A chain reaction of economic nationalism with tariffs and other measures could impede global economic growth, lead to inflation, and add to already tense negotiations between Washington and its allies.

The Trump administration has made it clear that it will use all tools of American power, including military support and the consumer market, in its effort to secure what it sees as a better deal for Americans. Economists argue that the potential benefit of more auto factory jobs in the United States could take years to materialize and might come at the cost of losses in other industries. But for countries reliant on America for decades, this feels like a moment of betrayal.

American influence has evolved to assert its demands with little offer of reciprocal benefits. According to analysts, in the Trump administration’s view, American gains require sacrifice from other nations as well––including its close allies.

So, as a result, other countries are being more serious about these threats, including threats to seize Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, as well as insists on economic submission to tariffs that weaken the allies’ economies.

The pressure on Canada to resist has already had a significant impact on its politics. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a series of promises to protect the Canadian auto industry, totaling $2 billion Canadian dollars ($1.4 billion). “We will defend our workers, we will defend our companies, we will defend our country, and we will defend it together,” said Carney.

In Asia, Jalopnik reports, officials had hoped for softer tariffs based on the production factories already being built in the United States. “We invest in America, where we employ people and pay the best wages,” said Mr. Ishiba.

China’s increasing military presence near Japan’s doorstep puts Japan in a vulnerable position, according to analysts. Japan lacks the economic means to engage in a trade battle due to its rising inflation caused by depreciation. Most of Japan’s focus is not on resisting the US tariffs but on its national security, with the recent deployment of military ships to disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Japan has not received clear assurance from the Trump administration on the country’s security alliance.

Taiwan sees a similar situation: Its dependence on the United States has increased in recent years amid anti-Chinese sentiment.

The response from South Korea is different though. Many Koreans are outraged at the tariffs which target one of South Korea’s major export items: cars.

William Choong, a senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore said that the feeling for many Asian allies is that America’s relationship with them is more of an enforcement relationship where America not only doesn’t respect them, it also takes away their resources.

In Europe, the White House’s position has fueled a panic over security especially following the leaked messages among White House officials calling Europe “pathetic.”

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/world/asia/tariffs-us-allies-trump.html