The flags of Mexico, the United States and Canada fly in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on February 1, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Canada joined Mexico in announcing retaliatory tariffs against the United States, after the U.S. slapped across-the-board duties on goods coming from Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Saturday (February 1, 2025) she ordered her Economy Minister to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend her country’s interests. Meanwhile Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will retaliate against President Donald Trump’s new tariffs by imposing 25% tariffs U.S. goods from drinks to appliances
In a lengthy post on X, Ms. Sheinbaum stressed her government does not seek confrontation with its northern neighbor but collaboration and dialogue.
The leftist leader, who has repeatedly sought to calm tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, touted her government’s record since she took office in October, seizing 20 million doses of deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, in addition to detaining over 10,0000 individuals tied to drug trafficking.
Trump said the tariffs against Mexico were due to the country’s failure to stop fentanyl getting into the United States as well as what he describes as uncontrolled migration.
Coming weeks could be difficult for Canada: Trudeau
As relations between the long-time allies who share the world’s longest land border reach a new low, Trudeau told a news conference he was slapping tariffs on C$155 billion ($107 billion) of U.S. goods. Those on C$30 billion will take effect on Tuesday, the same day as Trump’s tariffs, and duties on the remaining C$125 billion in 21 days, he said.
Mr. Trudeau warned the coming weeks would be difficult for Canadians and that Trump’s tariffs would also hurt Americans.
Addressing Americans, he said: “They will raise costs for you, including food at the grocery store, gas at the pump. They will impede your access to an affordable supply of vital goods.”
The Canadian leader said tariffs would include American beer, wine and bourbon, as well as fruits and fruit juices, including orange juice from Trump’s home state of Florida. Canada would also target goods including clothing, sports equipment and household appliances.
Canada is considering non-tariff measures, potentially relating to critical minerals, energy procurement and other partnerships, Trudeau said.
Trudeau encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and vacation at home rather than in the U.S. “We didn’t ask for this but we will not back down,” Mr. Trudeau said.
Published – February 02, 2025 07:18 am IST
