In a significant move fulfilling a campaign promise, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% tariff on goods from China.
This action aims to address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking, according to the administration.
The tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. Energy resources from Canada will be subject to a lower 10% tariff.
In response, Mexico, Canada, and China have announced retaliatory tariffs and legal challenges. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized their preference for dialogue over confrontation.
The tariffs have sparked concerns among U.S. consumers and businesses about potential price increases and inflation. The average U.S. household could face an additional $830 in annual costs due to the tariffs.
Global markets have also reacted negatively, with significant declines in stock indices across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Analysts warn of potential disruptions to businesses, including automakers and agriculture, and advise investors to reassess their expectations amid growing volatility.