Trump’s Tariffs Escalate Trade Tensions with China, Pause for Canada and Mexico

China retaliates with its own tariffs and export controls, while North American neighbors secure temporary reprieves through border security pledges.

President Trump implemented a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting China to impose retaliatory tariffs of 10–15% on U.S. goods and announce export controls on critical minerals like tungsten.
Tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada were delayed for one month after both countries agreed to strengthen border security and combat drug trafficking, including Canada appointing a 'fentanyl czar.'
China added two U.S. firms to its 'unreliable entities list' and launched an antitrust investigation into Google, further intensifying the trade dispute.
Elon Musk’s influence in the Trump administration is under scrutiny after his Department of Government Efficiency targeted USAID for shutdown and gained access to sensitive Treasury systems.
The stock market reacted to the tariff announcements with volatility, while economists warned of potential price increases for U.S. consumers and global economic uncertainty.