A raft of tariffs imposed or threatened by President Trump on Canada and Mexico risks undoing progress made under his first administration to strengthen North American trade relations, according to Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), who says the U.S. should instead focus on leveraging that progress to counter economic threats posed by China.
March 28, 2025
World Trade Online
President Trump’s decision to impose new 25 percent tariffs on imported automobiles and parts has brought quick pushback from foreign auto companies and uncertainty among domestic manufacturers over costs and other impacts, with one lawyer for the sector warning that tracking the origins of individual parts could be particularly complex.
Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on Thursday joined a chorus of Democrats arguing that President Trump’s decision not to approve nearly $3 billion in emergency spending, including $20 million for the Bureau of Industry and Security, blatantly violates appropriations law.
The Chinese government is preparing a framework that will allow it to more aggressively use trade policy to retaliate against partners via threats and unofficial restrictions, among other means, according to the intelligence community’s new annual threat assessment.
The World Trade Organization Secretariat is “attempting to reinvent” itself into a public resource, putting it at odds with its member-driven purpose, the U.S. argued this week, urging members to develop “guidance” for Secretariat work.
President Trump has signed a proclamation imposing “permanent” 25 percent tariffs on imported vehicles and parts that will take effect on April 2, part of a wave of new duties including “reciprocal” measures being targeted for that day.