Tit-for-tat tariffs: US, partners enter trade war

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has entered a trade war with its three largest partners, China, Mexico and Canada, a media report said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump announced tough new tariffs on all imports from the three countries, which came up with tit-for-tat responses.

The BBC quoted Trump as saying his administration would impose the tariffs with effect from Tuesday -- 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China.

If the three countries did not address his concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Trump warned, he would toughen the import taxes.

Responding to the US president’s announcement, Canada and Mexico said they were working on retaliatory tariffs.

Last year, more than 40% of imports into the US came from China, Mexico and Canada

In a statement on X on Saturday, the White House said: “Today's tariff announcement is necessary to hold China, Mexico and Canada accountable for their promises to halt the flood of poisonous drugs into the United States.”

In reaction, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected as slander the allegations that her government had links to criminal organisations..

Earlier, the White House blasted the Mexican government for having "an intolerable alliance" with Mexican drug trafficking groups.

She asked her economy minister to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures, which may include retaliatory tariffs of 25% on US goods.

Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “We don't want to be here, we didn't ask for this. But we will not back down in standing up for Canadians."

The premier told reporters Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods - $30 billion will come into force on Tuesday and another $125bn in 21 days.

For its part, China said it firmly opposed the measures and would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization against the US.

PAN Monitor/mud