Leaders from Canada, Mexico, and China have strongly criticized U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pledge to impose sweeping tariffs on goods from America’s top trading partners. The proposed tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on imports from China—were described by Trump as measures to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of reciprocal tariffs, stating that such moves could destabilize shared economic interests. “To one tariff will follow another, putting our common businesses at risk,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing that trade wars would harm all parties involved. She pointed out that U.S. automakers, such as General Motors, rely heavily on components manufactured in Mexico and Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struck a more conciliatory tone, expressing his intent to address the issue constructively. After speaking with Trump, Trudeau reassured Canadians that the government would respond strategically, avoiding panic. However, provincial leaders criticized the proposed tariffs as harmful to workers on both sides of the border. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the comparison to Mexico “insulting,” while Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland noted Canada’s vital role as a supplier of oil, electricity, and critical minerals to the U.S.

China also dismissed Trump’s claims, particularly allegations about its role in the fentanyl crisis. A spokesperson for China’s Washington embassy stated that economic cooperation with the U.S. is mutually beneficial and rejected accusations of knowingly allowing drug precursors to be smuggled into America.

Trump’s announcement, made on his social platform Truth Social, has already rattled financial markets. The Canadian dollar dropped to its lowest value since 2020, and the Mexican peso also saw a significant decline.

With tariffs affecting over half of U.S.-China trade and deep economic integration across North America, the proposed measures could have far-reaching implications. Critics argue that Trump’s plans risk exacerbating tensions while undermining economic stability for all involved nations.