US Reinstates Steel and Aluminum Tariffs, Markets React Sharply

The United States reinstated 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from key partners, including Mexico and Canada, citing national security concerns. In addition, US stocks tumbled Monday as Trump’s tariff policies spurred a broad selloff, with major indexes falling amid recession fears and investor anxiety.

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US Reinstates 25% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum from Key Partners

On March 12, 2025, the United States officially reinstated tariffs of up to 25% on steel and aluminum imports from key trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil. The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate alternative agreements with these countries, citing their inability to address the perceived threat of excess steel capacity and distorted pricing to US national security.

US Stocks Drop Amid Trump Tariffs, Recession Fears Surge

US stocks plunged Monday, with all three major indexes posting significant losses as concerns over President Donald Trump’s economic policies triggered a broad market selloff. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 890 points, or 2.08%, after plummeting more than 1,100 points earlier in the session. The S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite sank 4%, marking its worst single-day loss since September 2022. The declines erased all gains from the November presidential election.

China Imposes Tariffs on Canadian Canola, Pork, Seafood

China has announced a series of retaliatory tariffs on Canadian goods following the latter’s decision to impose steep duties on Chinese EVs, steel, and aluminum. The move escalates trade tensions between the two countries, further complicating their already strained economic relations.

Mexican Exports to the United States Broke Records in January

Mexican exports to the United States in January reached a record-breaking high of US$41.6 billion, marking an increase of US$2.4 billion compared to December, reports the US Census Bureau. This 6.2% rise represents the highest January growth recorded since 1985. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the potential US tariffs, trade between the two nations has continued to grow.

Mexico’s Government Uses 119 AI Apps, but Transparency is Lacking

Governments in Mexico use 119 AI applications in at least 107 daily projects, reveals a study by the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE). The Executive Branch is the largest user, mainly using chatbots for citizen attention and administrative tasks. However, the lack of transparency and clarity in their implementation poses significant challenges.

Countries Agree to Invest Billions Annually in Biodiversity

Governments have reached an agreement to mobilize financial resources for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The deal sets a target of generating at least US$200 billion annually by 2030 to address biodiversity loss.