Donald Trump¡¯s tariff war explodes as India moves to WTO, Taiwan accelerates defence, and Mark Carney slams U.S. tactics

India has taken the United States to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over steel and aluminium tariffs imposed during Donald Trump¡¯s presidency. In a communication dated April 17, the U.S. defended the tariffs as national security measures, not safeguard actions.

The United States said these tariffs were imposed under Section 232 of U.S. trade law, which allows restrictions on imports that pose a national security risk. The administration has continued to support this position, stating that the measures are meant to adjust import volumes that could threaten security interests.

India, however, disagrees. It has argued that the U.S. never notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards, a step required under WTO rules. India maintains that the tariffs function as safeguard measures, regardless of how the U.S. classifies them, and must follow global trade regulations.

Taiwan caught in the crossfire but stays diplomatic

While India goes the legal route, Taiwan is responding strategically. Despite Donald Trump¡¯s decision to slap a 32% tariff on Taiwanese imports, Taiwanese officials avoided public retaliation.

A U.S. Senate delegation including Republicans Pete Ricketts and Ted Budd, and Democrat Chris Coons visited Taiwan this week to reassure support. During the visit, Taiwanese leaders stressed they were accelerating reforms in defense and trade to align more closely with U.S. priorities.

This includes fast-tracking investment in U.S.-Taiwan defense partnerships and adopting technologies like drone warfare. The senators noted Taiwan¡¯s efforts to reduce its dependence on direct U.S. military aid, instead investing in self-reliance.

Canada slams Trump¡¯s tariff strategy in election debate

In Canada, Donald Trump¡¯s trade policy took center stage during a heated election debate. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the former U.S. President¡¯s economic tactics a direct threat to Canada¡¯s sovereignty and economic stability.

Carney pointed to Trump¡¯s earlier statement about turning Canada into the ¡°51st state¡± of the U.S., calling it an insult to Canada¡¯s independence. He argued that Canada must focus on removing internal trade barriers between provinces and territories, calling it a more effective economic solution than depending on unpredictable U.S. policies.

Labeling Trump¡¯s trade war as ¡°the greatest crisis of our lifetimes,¡± Carney urged Canadians to build resilience through internal reforms, not rely on external goodwill.

U.S. maintains hardline position despite growing global resistance

Despite the rising issues, Trump has continued to defend his tariffs. He argues they are necessary to fix unfair trade relationships and protect American jobs. This week, he described ongoing negotiations with Japan and other countries as ¡°big progress.¡±

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Japan¡¯s representative Ryosei Akazawa met Trump and senior trade officials recently, but no immediate breakthroughs were announced. A second round of talks is expected by the end of April.

While Taiwan focuses on diplomacy and India turns to the WTO, many countries are still calculating their next move unsure whether to confront Trump¡¯s tariffs directly or seek new alliances to weather the storm.

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