Mexico Imposes Retaliatory Tariffs on Dozens of American Goods

The Mexican government, in retaliation for Washington's action to increase tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from its southern neighbor, imposed tariffs on dozens of American goods starting Thursday. According to Politico, the retaliatory tariffs by Mexico on American goods are estimated to total about $3 billion and include products such as potatoes, pork, and whiskey. Mexico City first published the list of American goods subject to the new tariffs last month. These tariffs were set to begin today, disregarding the NAFTA agreement, which allows for optional tariff imposition. The Mexican government confirmed on Thursday that the tariffs would be enforced. Most of Mexico's retaliatory tariffs target American agricultural exports, including apples, cranberries, and various cheeses. Mexico has also imposed tariffs on a number of American steel products. Most items on this list will be subject to tariffs ranging from 15% to 25%. Mexico imposed these tariffs after the Trump administration decided to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel exports from allied countries and ended their exemption from tariffs. Canada and the European Union have also imposed tariffs on American goods worth $16 billion, including kitchen appliances. Mexico emphasized that the tariffs on American goods will remain in place as long as the Trump administration imposes tariffs on Mexican aluminum and steel. One day prior, the European Union harshly criticized the Trump administration for the potential imposition of tariffs on imported cars, stating that such actions could provoke a global response and lead to tariffs on $300 billion worth of American goods.