SHOCKING: Trump SLAMS Canada, Mexico, and China with CRUSHING Tariffs—25% & 20% Now in FULL FORCE!

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has officially ignited a high-stakes trade showdown as his long-threatened tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect, sending shockwaves through global markets and triggering fierce retaliation from U.S. trading partners.

Starting at midnight, all imports from Canada and Mexico are now subject to a massive 25% tax, while Canadian energy products face a 10% tariff.

Meanwhile, the 10% tariff on Chinese imports imposed in February has been doubled to a punishing 20%, provoking immediate retaliation from Beijing.

China swiftly responded Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. farm exports and expanded restrictions on American companies, tightening the screws on global trade.

In a direct counterstrike, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion worth of U.S. goods, with $21 billion hitting immediately and the remainder rolling out in the next three weeks. Mexico has yet to announce its response, but officials hinted that countermeasures are imminent.

Despite mounting fears of inflation and economic fallout, Trump remains defiant, touting tariffs as America’s “ultimate weapon” to fix trade imbalances and curb illegal activities at the border.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid, or paid off,” Trump declared Monday at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

Global Markets on Edge as Trade Tensions Explode

The tariffs, originally set to take effect in February, were delayed by 30 days to allow for last-minute negotiations. However, Trump’s final decision to push forward has shattered any hopes of a diplomatic resolution, leaving global markets in turmoil.

With the stated aim of tackling drug trafficking and illegal immigration, the U.S. insists that tariffs will remain until trade imbalances shrink—an outcome that many economists argue is far from guaranteed.

Retaliation Begins: Canada Strikes Back

In response to Trump’s aggressive move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced swift retaliation, slapping a staggering 25% tariff on $107 billion worth of American imports.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn,” Trudeau declared, warning that further non-tariff measures are also on the table.

Canadian officials revealed that emergency talks were still ongoing with U.S. counterparts, but prepared to escalate if necessary.

Business Leaders Sound the Alarm

The tariffs have sent shockwaves through American industries, with corporate leaders warning of severe consequences.

Greg Ahearn, CEO of The Toy Association, slammed the 20% tariffs on Chinese imports as “crippling”, emphasizing that nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“You can’t just move supply chains overnight,” Ahearn cautioned, highlighting the skilled labor required for toy production, from handcrafting to intricate detailing. “The impact will be devastating.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) expressed deep concerns, citing Maine’s economic ties to Canada. “Our state’s lobster and blueberry industries rely on cross-border trade. These tariffs could be disastrous,” she warned.

What’s Next? Escalation Looms

With U.S. businesses bracing for impact, Trump appears undeterred, suggesting that further tariffs on the European Union, India, pharmaceuticals, and auto imports may be next.

“This is just the beginning,” a senior White House official hinted, suggesting that the administration is prepared for a prolonged economic standoff.

As the world scrambles to respond, one thing is certain: Trump’s trade war is here, and the stakes have never been higher.