Trump’s 25% tariffs take effect; Canadian PM calls it “a very dumb thing”

President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico took effect today, and the White House increased a tariff on China from 10 to 20 percent in an executive order. Canada, Mexico, and China announced retaliatory moves, and stock markets sank globally.

Industry groups and companies have warned the Trump tariffs will raise prices for cars, groceries, consumer technology, and other products.

Canada was hit with a 10 percent tariff on energy exports to the US, while other Canadian exports are subject to the 25 percent tariff. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would impose 25 percent tariffs on over $100 billion worth of US goods.

China responded with new tariffs of 10 to 15 percent on US agricultural products starting March 10 and other retaliatory moves such as blacklisting 15 US companies. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she will announce retaliatory tariffs and other measures on Sunday.

“There’s no motive, reason or justification that supports this decision that will affect our people and nations,” Sheinbaum reportedly said at a news conference. “We will always seek a negotiated solution, in a framework of respect.” Sheinbaum said Mexico wants “dialogue, with reasoning and rationality.”

Trudeau: Trump tariffs “a very dumb thing to do”

Trudeau said that Trump imposing tariffs is “a very dumb thing to do” and that Canada “will not back down from a fight.” Addressing US residents, Trudeau said, “We don’t want this, but your government has chosen to do this to you.”

Trump’s executive orders have blamed Canada for “the flow of illicit drugs across our northern border,” Mexico for a “sustained influx of illegal aliens and illicit opioids and other drugs,” and China for a “sustained influx of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.”

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/03/trumps-25-tariffs-take-effect-canadian-pm-calls-it-a-very-dumb-thing/