Countries gear up for retaliation as US tariffs take effect
US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are set to take effect on Tuesday, even as numerous internal and external stakeholders—including economists, trade organizations, and business leaders—express their frustration with the Trump administration's choice. In response, the affected countries are preparing for retaliatory measures.
TroibNews 
US tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China came into effect on Tuesday, despite significant discontent expressed by numerous stakeholders, including economists, trade organizations, and business leaders regarding the Trump administration's decision. In response, the affected nations are preparing for retaliatory measures.
In a bid to bolster US manufacturing and enhance border security, the President signed an executive order on February 1 imposing a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10 percent tariff on imports from China.
Although the tariffs on Canada and Mexico were postponed for a month to allow for further trade negotiations, that grace period has now expired. Notably, energy imports from Canada, including oil and electricity, will incur a reduced tariff of 10 percent.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly stated on Monday that Canada is prepared to respond immediately to US President Donald Trump's tariffs, as reported by local media. Joly indicated that if the levies are enacted, Canada will reinstate its earlier announced plan for a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on American goods valued at 155 billion Canadian dollars. She noted, "This is an existential threat to Canada, with thousands of jobs at stake," while emphasizing that Canada is well-prepared should the US choose to escalate the trade conflict.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a measured and calm approach, assuring the public that her administration has multiple contingency plans ready in case the tariffs are implemented. Sheinbaum remarked that recent discussions between Mexican and US security and trade officials were productive, stating, "Mexico has prepared Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and Plan D," although she did not elaborate on the specifics.
Trump had earlier consented to postpone the 25 percent tariff on Mexican goods for a month after Sheinbaum announced the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border to combat drug trafficking and mass immigration.
China has also strongly opposed the US's decision to impose a 10 percent tariff on top of the initial 10 percent stated in the February 1 executive order on Chinese exports starting Tuesday. In retaliation, China has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization through the dispute settlement mechanism and announced its own tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 15 percent on select US food and agricultural products.
While the US claims its actions are justified by concerns over fentanyl, a spokesperson for China's ministry of commerce pointed out that China has one of the strictest anti-drug policies globally. The spokesperson added that the unilateral tariffs imposed by the US contravene international trade regulations and urged the US to approach these issues with objectivity and return to dialogue.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a bid to bolster US manufacturing and enhance border security, the President signed an executive order on February 1 imposing a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10 percent tariff on imports from China.
Although the tariffs on Canada and Mexico were postponed for a month to allow for further trade negotiations, that grace period has now expired. Notably, energy imports from Canada, including oil and electricity, will incur a reduced tariff of 10 percent.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly stated on Monday that Canada is prepared to respond immediately to US President Donald Trump's tariffs, as reported by local media. Joly indicated that if the levies are enacted, Canada will reinstate its earlier announced plan for a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on American goods valued at 155 billion Canadian dollars. She noted, "This is an existential threat to Canada, with thousands of jobs at stake," while emphasizing that Canada is well-prepared should the US choose to escalate the trade conflict.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a measured and calm approach, assuring the public that her administration has multiple contingency plans ready in case the tariffs are implemented. Sheinbaum remarked that recent discussions between Mexican and US security and trade officials were productive, stating, "Mexico has prepared Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and Plan D," although she did not elaborate on the specifics.
Trump had earlier consented to postpone the 25 percent tariff on Mexican goods for a month after Sheinbaum announced the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border to combat drug trafficking and mass immigration.
China has also strongly opposed the US's decision to impose a 10 percent tariff on top of the initial 10 percent stated in the February 1 executive order on Chinese exports starting Tuesday. In retaliation, China has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization through the dispute settlement mechanism and announced its own tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 15 percent on select US food and agricultural products.
While the US claims its actions are justified by concerns over fentanyl, a spokesperson for China's ministry of commerce pointed out that China has one of the strictest anti-drug policies globally. The spokesperson added that the unilateral tariffs imposed by the US contravene international trade regulations and urged the US to approach these issues with objectivity and return to dialogue.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
