Shattered Economies: The Initial Move in Trump’s Expansionist Agenda | World News
Donald Trump asserts that his tariff stance on his three main trading partners is simply a matter of practicality.
In response, both Mexico and China are urging him to consider negotiation and collaboration.
Stay updated: Trump sparks a trade conflict
In a statement on Saturday night, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a reciprocal 25% tariff on $106 billion worth of American goods, and noted that the last time he had a direct conversation with the US president was at Mar-a-Lago before the inauguration.
That visit certainly did not yield any positive results.
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President Trump is challenging the long-held belief that free trade promotes growth and prosperity within an interconnected global marketplace.
His goals include redressing trade deficits, relocating manufacturing back to the US, and attracting foreign investments.
He argues that these tariffs aim to compel Mexico, China, and Canada to stop the flow of fentanyl, its precursor chemicals, and illegal immigration into the US.
Mexico is already making significant efforts on these issues.
Mexico ranks first in terms of goods imports into the US
In recent years, one of the few diplomatic interactions with China has involved renewed collaboration on counter-narcotics.
As Prime Minister Trudeau pointed out, only 1% of illegal fentanyl or immigration into the US originates from the northern border, and Canada is implementing further measures to decrease that percentage.
This seems to be merely a pretext.
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Perhaps most concerning for advocates of sovereign nations is the belief that President Trump genuinely intends to make Canada a valued 51st state.
He has also shown no signs of easing his rhetoric towards Greenland, following a contentious exchange with Denmark’s prime minister, during which he remained firm on his territorial claims.
Explore further:
What led Trump to focus tariffs on Mexico and Canada?
The potential impact of Trump’s tariffs on consumers
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Meanwhile, President Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is currently visiting Panama – where Trump has made threats to reclaim the Panama Canal by force.
By compromising Canada’s economy, this expansionist US president may believe he can manipulate their decisions.
Canada faces much more than just a trade conflict.
