Canada and Mexico Announce Retaliatory Tariffs Against U.S. Trade Measures

Canada and Mexico Announce Retaliatory Tariffs Against U.S. Trade Measures

Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Canada and Mexico have announced retaliatory measures in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on their goods, escalating trade tensions between the three North American nations.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Saturday that Canada will impose 25 percent tariffs on $106.5 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to the U.S. decision. The first phase, covering $20 billion, will take effect on Tuesday, while the remaining $86 billion in tariffs will be implemented in 21 days.

Trudeau warned that the tariffs would negatively impact the U.S., a long-time ally of Canada, and urged Canadians to support domestic industries.

“We encourage Canadians to buy Canadian products and vacation within Canada rather than traveling to the U.S.,” he said at a press conference.

He further noted that additional non-tariff measures are under consideration, particularly in the areas of critical minerals, energy procurement, and other strategic partnerships.

Trudeau emphasized that Canada and Mexico are coordinating their response to the tariffs imposed by Washington, signaling a united front against the U.S. trade restrictions.

The U.S. tariffs, enacted through an executive order signed by Trump, impose a 25 percent duty on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico starting Tuesday. However, Canadian energy products will be subject to a lower 10 percent tariff.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she has instructed her economy minister to implement both tariff and non-tariff countermeasures to protect Mexico’s interests.

“We have been preparing Plan B, which includes defensive measures in response to these tariffs,” Sheinbaum said on Saturday.

She also strongly rejected allegations from the White House that her government has ties to drug trafficking groups, labeling them as “slanderous.”

“If there is any alliance with criminal organizations, it exists in U.S. gun shops that sell high-powered weapons to these groups,” Sheinbaum wrote on social media platform X.

She criticized U.S. authorities for failing to address domestic drug consumption and the sale of narcotics in major cities, as well as the ongoing issue of money laundering linked to illicit activities.

The retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico mark a significant escalation in trade tensions with the U.S., potentially impacting key industries and supply chains across North America.