U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China trigger global trade war
Reuters
Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China took effect Tuesday, sparking a global trade war as Canada, Mexico, and China retaliated with their own duties. The move has rattled markets, raised consumer prices, and fueled recession fears.
Retaliation Begins
Canada imposed 25% tariffs on C$30 billion ($20.7 billion) worth of U.S. goods, targeting orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, coffee, appliances, and motorcycles.
Mexico announced countermeasures, with President Claudia Sheinbaum set to reveal details on Sunday.
China imposed 10%-15% tariffs on select U.S. imports starting March 10 and placed 25 U.S. firms under export restrictions.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs as "a very dumb thing to do," accusing Trump of attempting to cripple Canada’s economy.
"They’ve chosen to launch a trade war that will, first and foremost, harm American families," Trudeau said.
Economic Fallout & Market Reaction
U.S. stocks plummeted, with the Nasdaq falling into correction territory.
The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso weakened against the U.S. dollar.
The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta revised its GDP forecast downward, now projecting a 2.8% economic contraction in Q1 2025.
Consumer Price Hikes Begin
The tariffs are already leading to higher consumer prices:
Retailers like Target and Best Buy warned of price increases on groceries, electronics, and imported goods.
Smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles will be hit with a 20% tariff on Chinese imports.
U.S. farmers face renewed economic pain as China targets U.S. agricultural exports.
Trump Defends Move Amid Global Backlash
Trump justified the tariffs as a response to fentanyl trafficking from Canada, Mexico, and China.
"This country has stuck with them through thick and thin," Trump said, adding that Europe should contribute more.
However, experts warn the tariffs could drive the U.S. into recession, further escalating tensions with global trading partners.
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