United States President , Donald Trump has warned of possible “pain” for Americans as tariffs he imposed on Canada, Mexico and China sparked instant retaliation with Canada and Mexico responding in kind to Trump’s order to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports to the US.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada would respond with 25 per cent tariffs on $C155 billion ($170.8 billion) of US goods while Mexican President , Claudia Sheinbaum said she had instructed her economy secretary to implement a response that included retaliatory tariffs and other measures in defence of Mexico’s interests.
On Monday (AEDT), Trump said his tariffs would help herald the “golden age of America”.
“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe yes, maybe not ‘, he posted to Truth Social in capital letters.
“We will make America great again and it will be all worthy the price that must be paid
“We are a Country that is now being run with common sense-and the results will be spectacular “
The tariffs risk an economic standoff with America’s two largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada, upending a decades-old trade relationship with the possibility of harsh reprisals.
Trudeau said $C30 billion worth of trade in US alcohol and fruit would take effect on Tuesday (local time) when the US tariffs also began.
“He opened his address to Canadians with a message aimed at US consumers.
“It will have real consequences for you, the American people,” he said, saying it would result in higher prices on groceries and other goods”.
“If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us.”
Trudeau encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and holiday at home rather than in the US.
He said some non-tariff measures, including some relating to critical minerals, energy procurement and other partnerships, were being looked at.
Trudeau channelled the views of many Canadians, who are feeling betrayed by their neighbour and long-time ally, reminding Americans that Canadian troops fought alongside them in Afghanistan.
“The actions taken today by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together,” he said, warning it could bring about “dark times” for many people.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama