America’s tariff war erupts with 3 trading partners

KABUL (Pajhwok): As President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada went into effect on Tuesday; America’s key trading partners came up with tit-for-tat actions.

The new US administration also doubled the tariff on all Chinese imports to 20% from 10%, CNN reported, warning that retaliatory measures would impact Americans.

In a statement, the White House  said: “While President Trump gave both Canada and Mexico ample opportunity to curb the dangerous cartel activity and influx of lethal drugs flowing into our country, they have failed to adequately address the situation.”

As a result of the tariffs, the report said, Americans might pay more for goods imported from the three nations, whose exports to the US collectively accounted for $1.4 trillion last year.

Tariffs on imports of fresh produce, cars and electronics, including phones, computers and other items from Mexico, Canada and China into the US have gone up between 20% and 25%.

In a tit-for-tat action, China announced 15% tariffs on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton. The State Council Tariff Commission said a 10% tariff on “sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products also took effect.

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce added 15 American companies, including drone maker Skydio, to its export control list, barring Chinese firms from exporting dual-use equipment to them.

In a similar move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would immediately respond with tariffs on $30 billion of US goods. Canada will slap an additional $125 billion tariff on US goods by March 25, he warned.

PAN Monitor/mud