Canada, Mexico, and the EU vow swift retaliation for Trump's tariffs

Trump slaps tariffs on EU, Mexican, Canadian steel
(Image credit: Screenshot/YouTube/AP)

President Trump's 25 percent tariff on imported steel and 10 percent levy on aluminum went into force for Mexico, Canada, and the European Union at midnight on Friday, and all three key U.S. allies quickly vowed to retaliate. The specter of a trade war sent U.S. markets reeling, with the Dow closing down 252 points, or 1 percent, on Thursday. The EU has promised to target imports of U.S. products like Kentucky bourbon, motorcycles, and blue jeans, while Mexico said it will slap tariffs on U.S. pork, grapes, cheeses, apples, and flat steel. Canada, which provides most of America's imported steel and aluminum, said it will hit the U.S. with tariffs on $12.8 billion worth of steel, toilet paper, and other goods.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.