Trump Raises Tariffs on 69 Nations, Citing Security

President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on 69 countries, raising the rate on Canadian goods not covered by the USMCA from 25% to 35% due to Canada's alleged lack of action on fentanyl smuggling and its position on Palestine. The European Union and Guyana now face 15% tariffs, Brazil faces a 50% rate, and South Korea accepted a 15% tariff in exchange for investment pledges. Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is considering retaliatory measures, while Mexico secured a 90-day pause on a planned increase as negotiations continue. The Trump administration has invoked emergency economic powers to authorize these measures, citing national security and economic reciprocity. The sweeping tariff hikes have drawn global criticism and raised concerns about their economic and diplomatic impacts. Ongoing talks with CARICOM, the EU, and China indicate that further developments are likely.