PALM BEACH, Fla. -- President Donald Trump said Americans could feel "some pain" from the emerging trade war triggered by his tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China. He claimed Canada would "cease to exist" without its trade surplus with the United States.
The trade penalties that Trump signed Saturday at his Florida resort caused a mix of panic, anger and uncertainty, threatening to rupture trade partnerships in North America and strain relations with China.
"Canadians are perplexed," said the country's U.S. ambassador, Kirsten Hillman. "We view ourselves as your neighbor, your closest friend, your ally."
Trump's administration has not disclosed the potential costs of the tariffs or the conditions for their removal. The tariffs are set to launch Tuesday, impacting various industries.
In response to the tariffs, Canada announced retaliatory measures, imposing tariffs on U.S. products. Mexico also announced new tariffs and called for domestic action to address drug addiction.
The Chinese government intends to defend its economic interests and plans to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization.
Analysts suggest that Trump's tariffs could harm the American economy and the average household income. Resolutions and compromises remain uncertain.
