Trade experts hail ‘new era of protectionism’ with targeted countries retaliating with their own tariffs

Summary

Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada—up to 60% for Chinese goods and 25% for Mexico and Canada—risk sparking a global trade war.

Economists warn these tariffs could cost U.S. consumers up to $2,400 annually, drive inflation, and prompt retaliation from affected countries, potentially harming U.S. exports.

Trump frames the tariffs as tools to address immigration and drug trafficking concerns, aligning with his “America First” strategy.

Critics caution that such protectionist measures could disrupt international trade and hurt both U.S. and global economies.