The retaliation came swiftly. Following the tariff announcements on Friday, January 31, by US President Donald Trump – 25% for Canada and Mexico, 10% for China – the targeted countries unveiled an initial series of responses. On Saturday, February 1, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum promised to detail her country's measures as soon as Monday, while proposing the creation of a "working group" on drug trafficking and migration issues. On Sunday, China assured it would take "countermeasures" to protect its "rights and interests."

The most significant response so far has come from Canada. Starting Tuesday, February 4, Canada plans to impose 25% tariffs on 30 billion Canadian dollars (€20 billion) worth of selected US products, and 21 days later, on a list worth another 125 billion Canadian dollars. This is a firm response to Trump's measures, which include 25% tariffs on Canadian exports, with an exception on oil and gas, subject to a smaller tax of 10%. The shock triggered by the US president has the potential to destabilize the local economy. According to a study by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the potential effects of the US tariffs could reduce Canada's gross domestic product by 2.6%.

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