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President Donald Trump of the US has walked his talk by actualizing his threat to impose broad tariffs on major trading partners Canada, Mexico and China.
Jamaica Observer reports that he cited an “extraordinary threat” from illegal immigration and drugs.
While Canadian and Mexican exports to the US will face a 25% tariff, energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% levy.
The duties on Canada begin on Tuesday.
Duties on goods from China will see an additional 10% to the tariff plus the various rates they are already facing.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has responded by hitting back against Trump’s tariffs with counter-tariffs worth $155 billion.
According to Mr Trudeau, Canada’s response “will be far reaching and include everyday items like American beer, wine and bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, including orange, juice, along with vegetables, perfume, clothing and shoes.”
Trump had said, “We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favour of it.”The Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, “We categorically reject the White House’s slander against the Mexican government of having alliance with criminal organizations, as well as any intervention in our territory.
“I propose to President Trump that we establish a working group with our best public health and security teams. Problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs, but by talking.”
Canadian politicians, businessmen and the general populace seem to agree that although these times would be tough, Canada should embark on a range of retaliatory measures, ranging from a dollar-to-dollar war, removing all American goods, and so on
