Mexico has announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States, intensifying global trade tensions following recent tariff impositions by U.S. President Donald Trump on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China.
On Saturday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared that Mexico will respond to the U.S. tariffs with its own set of tariffs and other measures. \"We do not seek confrontation with our northern neighbor, but we will defend our nation's interests,\" Sheinbaum stated in a lengthy post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Mexican leader also fiercely rejected accusations from Washington alleging that her government has alliances with drug trafficking organizations, labeling such claims as \"slander.\" She emphasized her administration's commitment to combating criminal activities, highlighting the seizure of 20 million doses of the synthetic opioid fentanyl and the detention of over 100,000 individuals linked to drug trafficking since she took office in October.
\"We categorically reject the White House's slander that the Mexican government has alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of meddling in our territory,\" Sheinbaum wrote.
This development comes after President Trump signed an order imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, citing national security concerns and unfair trade practices. The U.S. tariffs have prompted swift responses from affected nations, raising concerns over a potential global trade war.
In a related move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would impose 25% tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 106.5 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. goods in retaliation. \"We will not stand by while our trading partners impose unjust measures,\" Trudeau declared during a news conference, outlining that 30 billion Canadian dollars' worth of goods would face tariffs starting Tuesday, with the remainder to be implemented in the following weeks.
The escalating trade disputes have sparked uncertainty in global markets, with investors wary of the potential impact on international supply chains and economic growth. Asian markets, deeply interconnected with global trade dynamics, are closely monitoring the situation for any ripple effects that may affect economic stability in the region.
Analysts suggest that prolonged trade tensions could disrupt global economic recovery efforts and emphasize the need for dialogue and collaborative solutions. The unfolding events underscore the complexities of international trade relations and their far-reaching implications.
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Mexican president says Mexico will retaliate against U.S. tariffs
cgtn.com