Trump threatens Canada that reciprocal tariffs will be levied

After Trump's tariffs took effect on Tuesday, those countries that are affected have been replying with their own retaliatory measures.

Canada, Mexico and China have been firing off retaliatory tariffs, causing Trump to fire back.

Ahn Sung-jin starts us off.

Canada, Mexico and China have been gearing up for retaliatory measures after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff impositions began on March 4th, local time.

Trump cited the failure to hamper drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, into the U.S. as a major reason for the tariffs.

However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refuted the claim and said it is false to say that Canada was unwilling to help.

Canada immediately imposed 25 percent tariffs on 20 billion U.S. dollars of U.S. imports and will pursue several non-tariff measures as well.

"The United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. But in the meantime, our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. tariffs are withdrawn and not a moment sooner."

Trump immediately fired back as well.

He referred Trudeau as Governor Trudeau and further added that retaliatory tariffs from Canada will only result in another round of immediate reciprocal tariffs increased by the same amount.

Mexico said the U.S. import taxes had no justification and pledged to give details on retaliatory measures during the weekend, vowing to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures.

"Nobody wins with this decision. On the contrary, it affects the people we represent."

China is also expected to levy "import taxes" of 10 to 15 percent on some U.S. goods, including American beef, dairy and agricultural products starting from March 10th.

As the U.S. will be levying tariffs on crop purchases as well starting from April 2nd, this may further startle the world economy and escalate into a global trade war.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.