President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China has set the stage for a fresh round of economic conflict. While framed as a necessary response to illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis, the broader implications of this move could be far more damaging than intended. With im – m ediate retaliatory measures from affected nations and potential legal challenges ahead, the economic and diplomatic costs of these tariffs could outweigh any perceived benefits.

Canada, Mexico, and China ~ three of the United States’ most significant trading partners ~ have responded with strong counter-measures. Canada has announced a matching 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, targeting certain US industries. Mexico has signalled similar retaliation, while China has vowed to challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and impose its own counter-measures. The escalation of this trade conflict risks severe........

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