Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wasted no time in hitting back against President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, ordering immediate retaliatory duties on key U.S. exports. The move intensifies a brewing trade war between America and its largest trading partners, as Canada also signaled it was prepared to impose countermeasures.
“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,” said Sheinbaum on X. “If such an alliance exists anywhere, it is in the United States armories that sell high-powered weapons to these criminal groups, as demonstrated by the United States Department of Justice itself in January of this year.”
“I instruct the Secretary of Economy to implement Plan B that we have been working on, which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico’s interests,” said Sheinbaum.
Trump’s Saturday executive order slapped a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports (excluding a 10% tariff on Canadian oil) and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The White House justified the move as part of an effort to pressure these nations to take stronger action against fentanyl smuggling and to boost domestic manufacturing.
READ: Trump Signs Sweeping Tariffs On Mexico, Canada, And China
However, Mexico’s government vehemently rejected what it called “unilateral economic aggression”, announcing a list of U.S. goods that will face retaliatory tariffs, including:
- American corn and soybeans – a massive blow to U.S. farmers who rely on exports to Mexico.
- U.S. pork and beef – industries that generate billions in trade with Mexico.
- Automobile parts and machinery – critical sectors for American manufacturers.
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refined petroleum products – a key revenue stream for U.S. energy exporters.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signaled that his government was ‘prepared’ to impose retaliatory tariffs if Trump refuses to reconsider his decision. Trudeau called Trump’s tariffs “short-sighted and damaging,” arguing that they would hurt businesses on both sides of the border.
Canadian officials have reportedly drafted a counter-tariff list targeting U.S. agricultural products, steel, and consumer goods but have not yet formally announced their response.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports, calling the move “unfair,” “illegal,” and “disappointing.” The tariffs, which include a 25% levy on most Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian oil, have sparked outrage across Canada and raised fears of economic fallout on both sides of the border.
In a CNN interview on Saturday, Ford expressed his frustration with the Trump administration’s decision, which he said violates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and undermines the strong trade relationship between the two nations.
READ: Trump Signs Sweeping Tariffs On Mexico, Canada, And China
“It’s unfair, and frankly, it was illegal, breaking a deal that we had with the USMCA,” Ford said. “Canada and Canadians love the U.S. I love the U.S. I love the American people. We’re your closest ally and trading partner, the largest in the entire world. This is going to hurt Americans. It’s going to hurt Canadians. We’re going to see inflation happen down in the U.S. and in Canada, and it’s unjustified.”
While Trump insists his tariffs will pressure foreign governments into stricter drug enforcement and fuel U.S. economic growth, experts warn that they could backfire by increasing inflation, disrupting supply chains, and harming key American industries.
The White House has warned that if Mexico and Canada retaliate, Trump may expand tariffs on auto exports, raise existing rates, or impose new duties on other imports.
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