After Donald Trump announced today that it would lift the temporary exclusion on Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, those countries vowed to retaliate against products they import from the US.
European officials have reportedly threatened to retaliate against US-produced orange juice, peanut butter, kitchenware, clothing and footwear, washing machines, textiles, whiskey, motorcycles, boats and batteries.
Meanwhile, NAFTA partners were also reportedly surprised by the announcement given the ongoing status of renegotiating the trade agreement.
"Canada considers it frankly absurd that we would in any way be considered to be a national security threat to the United States," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said. "The government is absolutely prepared to and will defend Canadian industries and Canadian jobs. We will respond appropriately."
Mexico responded to the news by announcing retaliatory tariffs on products including pork belly, apples, grapes, blueberries and flat steel.
"Mexico deeply regrets and rejects the decision of the United States to impose these tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum," Mexico’s economy ministry said in a statement, adding that Mexico's retaliatory measures "will be in force until the US government eliminates the imposed taxes."
US Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told news media that in terms of the NAFTA talks, the tariffs could hinder the negotiations among the North American neighbors. Ross said there was "no longer a very precise date when they may be concluded and therefore (Canada and Mexico) were added into the list of those who will bear tariffs."