Trump’s New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Spark Immediate Backlash and Retaliation Threats

Trump’s latest move to impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China has ignited a firestorm of backlash from all three nations, with promises of swift retaliation that could hit American consumers hard.

Just hours after Trump signed executive orders slapping a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada (excluding Canadian energy products, which will face a 10% tariff) and a 10% tariff on imports from China, leaders from the affected countries condemned the move and vowed to respond. Trump claims the tariffs are meant to combat the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the U.S., but critics argue the measures will do more harm than good.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasted no time detailing Canada’s response. In a Saturday night press conference, he announced a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, set to begin the same day the U.S. tariffs kick in—Tuesday. The targeted items will include everyday American products like beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, vegetables, clothing, and household appliances.

“Our response will be far-reaching,” Trudeau said, warning Americans that Trump’s decision “will have real consequences for you, the American people.” He also encouraged Canadians to support their local economy by buying Canadian-made products and reconsidering travel plans to the U.S.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also issued a sharp rebuke, calling Trump’s accusations against Mexico “slanderous.” In a post on X, she revealed that Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy has been instructed to implement a “Plan B,” which includes both tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests. While exact details of the plan haven’t been disclosed, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico rejects any interference in its sovereignty.

“If the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs, we must work together in a comprehensive manner,” Sheinbaum said. “Coordination, yes; subordination, no.”

China’s response was more measured but no less firm. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced plans to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and take “necessary countermeasures” to protect its economic interests.

China urged the U.S. to “correct its mistakes” and engage in meaningful dialogue, but warned that the new tariffs could harm ongoing cooperation between the two nations—particularly in efforts to combat the global fentanyl crisis. The Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that further tariffs could undermine recent progress in reducing the flow of illicit drug ingredients.

Canada, Mexico, and China make up over 40% of all U.S. imports. Retaliatory tariffs from these countries could lead to price hikes on everyday items like food, electronics, cars, and household goods, hitting American wallets hard.

The White House has stated that these tariffs will remain in place “until the crisis is alleviated,” though they haven’t provided specifics on what that means.

This isn’t Trump’s first foray into tariff battles. During his first term, he imposed tariffs on more than $300 billion in Chinese goods, sparking a trade war that saw both countries hit each other with retaliatory tariffs. 

For now, all eyes are on how these three countries will follow through on their threats—and how American consumers will feel the pinch in the coming weeks.