Canadian PM Justin Trudeau warned Trump’s actions will have ‘real consequences’ for Americans
Officials in South Korea are said to be concerned after Donald Trump’s comments to Congress indicated their country could be next on the list to be hit with tariffs.
On Tuesday (March 4), the 47th President of the United States marked 43 days in office with a notable address to Congress. During his speech, Trump shared that Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent “strong signals” to the U.S., indicating a desire for peace with Ukraine. He also revealed receiving a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the ongoing war in Europe. In a somewhat baffling moment, Trump even sent a message to the people of Greenland.
One of the most talked-about aspects of his presidency thus far has been his aggressive stance on tariffs, with countries like Canada, Mexico, and China feeling the impact. These tariffs, according to the White House, are aimed at combating what they describe as an “extraordinary threat” posed by illegal immigration and the proliferation of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl.
In his recent speech to Congress, President Trump announced a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, revealing the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico. Meanwhile, he also dropped a 20 percent tariff on China, signaling a possible shift in U.S.-China relations.
South Korea now finds itself under scrutiny, with officials in Seoul growing concerned after Trump’s comments about their trade practices. The President pointed out that South Korea’s average tariff rate is four times higher than that of the U.S., hinting that they could be next in line for tariffs. “South Korea’s average tariff is four times higher. Think of that. Four times higher,” he said, adding, “And we give so much help militarily and in so many other ways to South Korea. But that’s what happens. This is happening by friend and foe.”
Seoul swiftly pushed back, with the South Korean Ministry of Trade stating they would “actively communicate” with U.S. officials to address the concerns over tariffs.
Meanwhile, in retaliation, China announced plans to impose taxes on U.S. exports, including a 15 percent tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10 percent levy on crude oil, farming equipment, and some vehicles. Imports of U.S-grown chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton will also face an additional 15 percent tariff, while a 10 percent tariff will be placed on a range of other goods, including sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, according to the AP.
In response to President Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, both Canadian and Mexican leaders wasted no time in announcing their countermeasures.
Canada quickly rolled out 25 percent tariffs on CA $155 billion worth of U.S. goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed the economic impact these tariffs would have on the American public, stating: “It will have real consequences for you, the American people. The actions taken by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also made her country’s position clear, taking to Twitter to vehemently reject the U.S. accusations. “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.
She also addressed the ongoing issues surrounding drug trafficking, offering a sharp critique of the U.S. approach. “If the United States government and its agencies wanted to address the serious fentanyl consumption in their country, they could fight the sale of drugs on the streets of their major cities, which they don’t do, and the laundering of money that this illegal activity generates, which has done so much harm to its population.”
