 "Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China will take effect Saturday, White House says")
US President Donald Trump is expected to push forth with a Saturday deadline for tariff hikes on major trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, the White House said Friday.
“I can confirm that tomorrow, the February 1st deadline that President Trump put into place at a statement several weeks ago continues,” said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. She reiterated plans for a 25 percent levy on Canada and Mexico, and confirmed a 10 percent rate on China.
Trump’s punitive duties and retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico threaten to disrupt nearly $1.6 trillion in North American trade and effectively end a 30-year free trade system that has deeply integrated the three economies.
Economists and business executives have warned that the tariffs would spark major increases in the prices of imports such as aluminum and lumber from Canada, fruits, vegetables, beer and electronics from Mexico and motor vehicles from both countries.
Tariffs are paid by firms that import goods and pass the costs on to consumers or accept lower profits, economists say.
“President Trump’s tariffs will tax America first,” said Matthew Holmes, public policy chief at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “From higher costs at the pumps, grocery stores and online checkout, tariffs cascade through the economy and end up hurting consumers and businesses on both sides of the border.”
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View AllCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday said Canada would immediately respond with forceful countermeasures, adding “It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act.”
Canada has drawn up detailed targets for immediate tariff retaliation, including duties on orange juice from Florida, Trump’s adopted home state, a source familiar with the plan said.
Canada has a broader list of targets that could reach C$150 billion worth of U.S. imports, but would hold public consultations before acting, the source said.
During Trump’s first term, China targeted U.S. soybeans and other farm products, while the European Union hit iconic American products including bourbon whiskey and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would “wait with a cool head” for Trump’s tariff decision and was prepared to continue a border dialogue.
“We will always defend the dignity of our people, respect for our sovereignty and a dialogue as equals without subordination,” she said.
Sheinbaum previously said Mexico also would retaliate, arguing that Trump’s tariffs would cost 400,000 U.S. jobs and drive up prices for U.S. consumers.
With inputs from agencies
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