US Tariffs Trigger Global Retaliation, Trade Tensions
By Paloma Duran | Journalist and Industry Analyst -
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:51
The new US tariffs on steel and aluminum are poised to significantly alter trade dynamics, particularly for major exporters like Canada, Mexico, and Germany. The European Union is preparing to retaliate against the United States' newly tariffs, further heightening global trade tensions.
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Trump Targets Steel and Aluminum Imports With New 25% Tariffs
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, with an official announcement expected soon. These tariffs would be in addition to existing duties, although no specific timeline for implementation has been provided. Major exporters of steel and aluminum to the United States, including Canada and Mexico, are likely to face significant challenges because of these tariffs.
Europe Union Responds to US Steel, Aluminium Tariffs
The European Union is preparing to retaliate against the United States' newly imposed steel and aluminum tariffs, further heightening global trade tensions. This follows US President Donald Trump's executive order imposing 25% tariffs on these materials, which will take effect on March 4.
Trump’s Call for Canada to Become the 51st State Sparks Alarm
President Donald Trump reiterated his belief that Canada would be better off as the 51st US state, citing the annual US$200 billion deficit the United States has with Canada. Comments have raised concerns among Canadian leaders, who view them as a genuine threat and an attempt to divert attention from potential tariffs.
US Withdrawal Could Threaten World Bank Rating: Moody’s
Moody's has issued a cautionary warning that the triple-A ratings of the World Bank and other multilateral lenders could be at risk if the United States withdraws its support following a review ordered by President Donald Trump regarding US participation in international intergovernmental organizations.
US Trade Nominee Proposes Universal Tariffs to Combat Nearshoring
Jamieson Greer, nominated by the US President for Trade Representative, emphasized that the implementation of a universal tariff on US imports should be considered as a strategic measure to address manufacturing outsourcing, which has been advantageous to Mexico through nearshoring. Greer also emphasized that these measures will strengthen the manufacturing base in response to global instability, while preserving US leverage and safeguarding its citizens.
MORENA Seeks International Alliances to Counter Trump’s Policies
MORENA aims to reactivate international forums and organizations in Europe and Latin America to build alliances against US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and mass deportation policies. However, experts in international relations remain divided on whether this diplomatic strategy will yield tangible benefits for Mexico.
Mexico Considers 40-Hour Workweek With New Legislative Proposal
Reducing working hours continues to be a key priority for lawmakers, with a new proposal introduced by deputies from the Green Party (PVEM) marking the fifth effort to reduce the length of the workweek. This new proposal represents a shift from previous attempts by focusing solely on private sector employees. It also introduces a one-year transition period, a feature that has become a common element in recent legislative efforts.
Mexico Receives Over 10,000 Deportees From the United States
Since Donald Trump began his second term as US president, Mexico has received a total of 10,964 deported migrants from the United States. Of these, 8,425 were Mexican nationals, while 2,539 were from other countries, some of whom have been assisted in returning to their countries of origin.







