'Disappointed': US trading partners around the world react to Trump's new tariffs

Some nations reacted with relief Friday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that in some cases were lower than threatened, and delayed by a week to August 7.

But others – including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan – still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars.

Trump's announcement does not cover export giant China – currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of an August 12 deadline.

Here is how some other economies reacted:

Canada: 'heavily impacted'

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government was "disappointed" by Trump's decision to increase US tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent.

Trump's order cited Canada's failure to stop fentanyl entering the United States. Carney outlined Ottawa's efforts to crack down on fentanyl and to increase border security.

He said sectors of Canada's economy including lumber, steel, aluminium and automobiles were "heavily impacted by US duties and tariffs".

Switzerland: negotiations 

The government of Switzerland – a major US trading partner – expressed "great regret" at the 39-percent tariff rate, despite its "very constructive position" in talks.

It said it "still hopes to find a negotiated solution" to the dispute over the US trade deficit with Switzerland.

South Africa 

South Africa will use the week-long delay of 30-percent tariffs to "negotiate as strongly and as hard as we can" to avoid the penalty and save jobs, President Cyril Ramaphosa told reporters.

South Africa has offered to import liquefied natural gas and some US agricultural products, the trade ministry said this week.

It said South African firms have also committed to investing in US mining and metals-recycling industries and to pursuing joint investment in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and agri-machinery.

Thailand: 'major success' 

The 19-percent levy for Thailand and Cambodia – fresh from border clashes that killed over 40 people – is a let-off from the threatened 36 percent.

Thailand called it a "major success" and a "win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand's export base and long-term economic stability".

Read moreFrance's Macron says EU-US trade deal 'not the end of it'

Cambodia: 'best news' 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, called it "the best news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue to develop the country".

The major manufacturer of low-cost clothing for Western brands was initially menaced with a tariff of 40 percent.

Taiwan: still pushing

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called its 20-percent tariff "temporary... with the possibility of further reductions should an agreement be reached".

The US president had threatened to hit the island with a 32-percent tax and possible separate duties on the island's huge semiconductors shipments.

Washington "needs Taiwan in supporting resilient supply chains, in supporting manufacturing and some high-end technologies", Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said recently.

Japan: car confusion

A tariff of 15 percent agreed last week between Japan and Washington – down from a threatened 25 percent – is due to be applied from August 7.

Watch moreUS and Japan strike trade deal, avoiding Trump's threat of 25% tariffs

But Japanese auto exports were already being hit by a 25-percent rate, and Tokyo wants to know when this will be lowered too.

"We continue to urge the US to take prompt measures to implement the agreement, including lowering tariffs on automobile and auto parts," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday.

Confusion also surrounds Trump's claim that Japan – as a "signing bonus" – will invest $550 billion in America, which will recoup 90 percent of the profits.   

Malaysia: 'positive outcome'    

Malaysia also achieved a lower tariff of 19 percent – down from 25 percent – which the government called a "positive outcome".

"This decision by the United States reflects the strong and enduring economic ties between our two nations," Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said   

Sri Lanka: 'happy' 

Sri Lanka also expressed relief that it will face a 20-percent hit, a sharp reduction from the 44 percent originally floated, and expressed hope of a further cut.

"We are happy that our competitiveness in exports to the US has been retained," finance ministry official Harshana Suriyapperuma told reporters.

 Around 40 percent of Sri Lanka's $5.0 billion of garment exports last year went to the United States.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)