The commercial dispute between the United States and its neighboring countries, Mexico and Canada, has escalated. Recently, President Donald Trump signed executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. In response, the leaders of Mexico and Canada, Claudia Sheinbaum and Justin Trudeau, respectively, announced that they would take reciprocal measures against US exports. This move is seen as a direct retaliation, with each country imposing its own set of tariffs on the other’s products.
Trump justified his decision to impose tariffs on social media, stating that the US economy needs to be protected from the “fraud” committed by its neighboring countries and other nations. He claimed that countries like Canada, Mexico, and China have been taking advantage of the US in terms of trade, crime, and the smuggling of illicit drugs. Trump also expressed his dissatisfaction with Canada, accusing the country of allowing undocumented migrants to cross the border into the US.
The US president emphasized that his country would no longer be taken advantage of, saying that “those days have ended.” He referred to the significant trade deficit between the US and its neighboring countries, which he believes is unfair. Trump even suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the US, implying that this would allow Canada to enjoy lower taxes, better military protection, and zero tariffs.
When asked if the tariffs would hurt the US economy, Trump replied that it might, but the end result would be worth it. He believes that his policies will make the US “great again” and that the country is now being governed with common sense. The new Secretary of National Security, Kristi Noem, supported Trump’s stance, saying that he has been clear about his intentions and that business partners would feel financial pain as a result.
Mexico and Canada were not caught off guard by the new tariffs, as Trump had announced his plans to impose them during his election campaign. However, the leaders of both countries had hoped that Trump would not follow through on his threats. Instead, they expected a more gradual and progressive approach to tariffs. The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, responded strongly to the US tariffs, saying that Canada would not tolerate an attack from a supposed ally and friend. He announced that Canada would impose 25% tariffs on US products worth $30 billion, with more tariffs to follow in the coming weeks.
In Mexico, President Sheinbaum defended his government against accusations of links with drug cartels. He rejected the White House’s allegations, stating that Mexico categorically denies any alliances with criminal organizations. Sheinbaum also pointed out that the US is partly responsible for the drug problem, as it is a major consumer of narcotics and also sells high-powered weapons to criminal groups. He suggested that the US government should focus on addressing the consumption of fentanyl in its own country instead of blaming Mexico.
Sheinbaum has been holding meetings with business organizations to analyze and agree on measures to mitigate the economic consequences of the US tariffs on Mexico’s exports. So far, his approach has been to seek dialogue and to appeal to Mexico’s national pride and dignity. He emphasized that Mexico will always negotiate with other nations with its “head held high” and will not compromise its dignity.