Sun Feb 02 01:48:13 UTC 2025: ## Canada and Mexico Retaliate Against Trump’s New Tariffs on Mexican Goods

**Mexico City/Ottawa –** Canada and Mexico have announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s imposition of across-the-board duties on Mexican goods. The move escalates trade tensions between long-time allies, jeopardizing billions of dollars in trade and impacting numerous industries.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared on Saturday that she had instructed her economy minister to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to protect Mexico’s interests. While she didn’t specify which U.S. goods would be targeted, reports suggest potential duties ranging from 5% to 20% on products including pork, cheese, fresh produce, steel, and aluminum. The auto industry would reportedly be initially spared.

Simultaneously, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion worth of U.S. goods. These tariffs, to be implemented in stages, will impact a wide range of products, from alcoholic beverages and fruit juices to clothing, sports equipment, and appliances. Trudeau warned that Trump’s actions would harm American jobs and raise prices for American consumers.

Trump’s justification for the tariffs cited Mexico’s alleged failure to curb fentanyl trafficking and control migration. Sheinbaum vehemently rejected the White House’s claim of an alliance between the Mexican government and drug cartels as “slander,” highlighting her administration’s efforts to seize fentanyl and detain drug traffickers.

The economic stakes are enormous. In 2023, the U.S. exported over $322 billion worth of goods to Mexico, while importing more than $475 billion. Canada exported nearly C$550 billion (approximately $400 billion USD) to the U.S., representing over three-quarters of its total exports and a significant portion of its GDP.

Trudeau, addressing the escalating crisis amidst internal political turmoil within his own party, appealed to Canadians to support domestic businesses and tourism. He emphasized the deep historical ties between Canada and the U.S., lamenting the current state of affairs while vowing a firm response to Trump’s actions. The future of this vital North American trade relationship remains uncertain as both countries brace for the economic fallout.

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