Mexico and Canada both announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States after Donald Trump issued an order imposing broad levies on both countries.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced their decisions on Saturday, kicking off what is expected to be an economic standoff between America and its two largest trading partners.
Earlier, Trump issued an order imposing 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico beginning Tuesday, with the exception of Canadian energy products, which will be subject to a 10% duty.
In response, Sheinbaum stated that she had directed her Secretary of the Economy to implement a “Plan B,” which included “tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico’s interests.”
Hours later, Trudeau announced that Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $106.5 billion worth of US goods in response to Trump’s tariffs.
Sheinbaum emphasized in a lengthy statement posted in Spanish on X that she did not want to engage in conflict with the United States, but she did object to suggestions of criminal alliances with her government.
“We categorically reject the White House’s slander against the Mexican government of having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of intervention in our territory,” she said in an email. “Mexico does not want a confrontation. “We begin with collaboration between neighboring countries.”
Trump has stated that the tariffs against Mexico are the result of the country’s failure to prevent fentanyl from entering the United States, as well as what he describes as uncontrolled migration.
In her post, Sheinbaum praised her administration’s record since taking office in October, including seizing 20 million doses of the lethal synthetic opioid and detaining over 10,000 people linked to drug trafficking.
“Mexico does not want fentanyl to reach the United States, or anywhere. As a result, if the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs and incite violence, we must collaborate in a comprehensive manner,” she stated.
Trudeau said in a press conference on Saturday night that the coming weeks would “be difficult” for both sides, but that his “job” was to stand up for his citizens.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 1, 2025
“We’re not looking to escalate, but we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” according to him. “We will also continue to do more with the United States… to grow our economies… we can and will do things together and that is my focus.”
According to the PM, tariffs on $20.6 billion in US goods will go into effect on Tuesday, with the remainder taking effect in 21 days.
Trudeau warned that the tariffs would harm the United States, a longtime ally. He encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and spend their vacations at home rather than in the United States. He stated that non-tariff measures such as critical minerals, energy procurement, and other partnerships are being considered.