The United States has imposed rigorous prices on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, which caused rapid reprisal measures of the country’s North American neighbors.
US President Donald Trump signed three distinct executive orders on Saturday, imposing 25% on Canada and Mexico goods, and 10% of all imports from China.
But energy imported from Canada, including oil, natural gas and electricity, would be taxed at a rate of 10%.
Trump said the prices were necessary to “protect the Americans” and promised to maintain the tasks in place until he calls a national emergency in the United States above the drug fentanyl and migration undocumented.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum immediately ordered that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that her country would correspond to 25% prices on American imports up to $ 155 billion.
There was no immediate reaction from China.
Kristen Salomey of Al Jazeera, reporting from the American city of Detroit, said that Trump’s movements had raised concerns on both sides of the border.
“This is something that Canadians have been very worried, and the Americans here in Detroit, where I am, have expressed their concern about the rise in prices. Economists also warn that a trade war could develop as a result of these prices and cause prices to increase and possibly force Canada to a recession, “she said.
Stiff
Trump declared the national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers and the National Emergency National Act to support the prices, which allow the president to sweep the powers to impose sanctions to deal with crises .
The new functions allow the repeated threats of Trump during the presidential campaign of 2024 and, since he took office and challenges the warnings of economists that a new trade war with the main American trade partners would erode the country’s growth , while increasing the prices of consumers and businesses.
The price collections should start at 12:01 p.m. (05:01 GMT) Tuesday, according to the written order of Trump. But the imports that were loaded on a ship or on their last transit mode before entering the United States before 12:01 p.m. on Saturday would be exempt from functions.
An information sheet of the White House said that the prices would remain in place “until the crisis argues”, but gave no details on what the three countries should do to win a stay.
US officials, on the other hand, said that there would be no exclusions from prices and if Canada, Mexico and China have retaliated against US exports, Trump would likely increase functions.
They said that Canada, in particular, would no longer be authorized to exempt the American service “minimis” for small shipments of less than $ 800. Officials said Canada, as well as Mexico, have become a conduit for fentanyl expeditions and its precursor chemicals in the United States, via small packages that are not often inspected by customs agents.
‘Real consequences’
Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, said Canadian functions out of $ 30 billion in American alcohol and fruits would take effect on Tuesday when American rates come into force.
He opened his address to Canadians with a message for American consumers.
“This will have real consequences for you, the American people,” he said, adding that this would increase prices on grocery store and other goods.
“The actions taken today by the White House have separated us instead of gathering us,” said Trudeau, warning in French that it could cause “dark time” for many people. He encouraged Canadians to “choose Canadian products and services rather than Americans.”
Sheinbaum, the Mexican president, responded to Trump’s announcement in an article on X, saying that she had asked his economy secretary to implement a response that includes reprisals and other measures To defend the interests of Mexico.
“We categorically reject the slander of the White House according to which the Mexican government has alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention to get involved in our territory,” wrote Sheinbaum.
“If the American government and its agencies wanted to approach the serious consumption of fentanyl in their country, they could fight against the sale of drugs in the streets of their big cities, which they do not do and the money laundering that this illegal activity generates which has done so much trouble its population. »»
Julia Galiano of Al Jazeera, reporting from Mexico City, said the trade war hit Mexico hard.
“Let us remember that 80% of Mexico exports go to the United States. The country is by far the largest trading partner in Mexico. Experts tell us that the effects will feel essentially right away, initially with prices increasing [and] Second, with an increase in inflation, “she said.
In the United States, the Republicans hosted Trump’s decision, while industrial groups and democrats have issued warnings struck on the impact on prices.
The president of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), Jake Colvin, said that Trump’s decision had threatened to increase the costs of “everything, from lawyers to cars” and urged the United States, Canada and Mexico to find a quick solution to avoid climbing.
“Our goal should be to work with Canada and Mexico to obtain a competitive advantage and facilitate the ability of American companies to export to the global markets,” Colvin said in a statement.
Democrats quickly said that all inflation in the future was Trump’s result, who is about to start his third week as president again.
“You are concerned about the prices of the grocery store. Don increases prices with its prices, “published the Democratic leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer in New York on X.
“You are concerned about the prices of tomatoes. Wait until Trump’s Mexico prices increase your tomato prices. … You worry about the prices of cars. Wait until Trump’s Canada’s prices increase your car prices, “he wrote in a series of messages.
