Trump imposed tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, they responded with reciprocal measures

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico. Trump explained that the tariffs are a response to what he claims is an unacceptable influx of illegal drugs and undocumented migrants into the US from the two neighboring countries.

"There is no more room for Canada and Mexico," Trump said at the White House. The president added that the only way to avoid tariffs would be for Canadian and Mexican manufacturers to move production to the US.

"They will have to build their car factories, frankly, and other facilities here in the US. In that case, there are no tariffs," Trump stated.

In addition, an additional 10% tariff was imposed on imports from China due to accusations that Beijing is not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US. This brings the total tariffs on Chinese products to 20%, in addition to the previous 10% imposed a month ago.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada will immediately respond with tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products.

"Today, after a 30-day pause, the United States administration has decided to proceed with imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy. Let me be perfectly clear – there is no justification for these actions," Trudeau said.

"Although less than 1% of the fentanyl intercepted at the US border comes from Canada, we have worked tirelessly to combat this scourge that affects both Canadians and Americans. We have invested $1.3 billion in a border plan with new helicopters, additional personnel, better coordination, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Together with the US, we have launched several initiatives, including declaring international criminal cartels as terrorist organizations and establishing joint intelligence operations. Thanks to these efforts, fentanyl seizures from Canada have decreased by 97% between December 2024 and January 2025," he added.

"Canada will not stand idly by in response to this unjustified decision. Canada will respond with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American products – immediately imposing tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, and on the remaining $125 billion within the next 21 days. Our tariffs will remain in effect until US tariffs are withdrawn.

Due to US tariffs, Americans will pay more for food, fuel, and cars, and will potentially lose thousands of jobs. Tariffs will disrupt an extremely successful trade relationship and violate the very trade agreement that President Trump negotiated during his last term," he concluded.

China responded immediately

The Chinese Ministry of Finance announced the imposition of 15% tariffs on some American agricultural products, including chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. A 10% tariff will be imposed on other products such as soybeans, pork, beef, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These tariffs will take effect on March 10.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also added 10 American companies to the so-called list of unreliable entities and 15 American entities to the export restriction list. Among the American companies targeted by China, the American biotechnology company Illuminia was specifically singled out, which Beijing claims is implementing "discriminatory measures against Chinese companies." It has been banned from exporting gene sequencing devices to China since March 4.

The company Illuminia "seriously infringes upon the legitimate rights of Chinese companies," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated. Among the 15 entities added to China's export restriction list are companies from the aviation, marine engineering, and artificial intelligence sectors.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told Trump that "Mexico deserves respect."

"Cooperation and coordination, yes. Subordination, never," Sheinbaum said.

Trump also announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, which is expected to take effect on March 12, and the possibility of reciprocal tariffs on certain countries, including a 25% tariff for the European Union.