**Primary Article:**
**Mexico Urged to Respond to US Tariffs on Steel**
The Mexican Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (CANACERO) is calling for reciprocal measures by the Mexican government if the United States does not remove tariffs on steel imports. As of February 11, 2025, CANACERO has expressed strong opposition to the US’s 25% tariff imposed on Mexican steel and is urging Mexico to retaliate with its own tariffs on American steel products if the exemption for Mexico is not granted.
CANACERO has stated, “The imposition of these tariffs threatens the North American steel industry and the entire metalworking supply chain, risking competitiveness and regional integration.” The organization also highlighted that the favorable trade balance for the US, which closed 2024 with a surplus of 2.3 million tons of steel, eliminates any justification for these tariffs against Mexican steel.
The Mexican steel industry is advocating for the Mexican government to push for economic rationale to prevail and ensure Mexico’s exclusion from the new US Executive Order. CANACERO emphasized the essential integration and regional benefits that should prioritize the North American region, especially in light of excess capacity threats from China and Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, the organization warned that if Mexican steel is not exempted, Mexico should consider equal retaliatory tariffs on US steel exports to protect local industries, jobs, and investments. CANACERO asserts that these US tariffs endanger 75% of Mexican steel exports, which are valued at approximately $2.1 billion.
**Secondary Article:**
**Global Responses to US Steel Tariffs**
Following the United States’ announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum, global leaders have made their positions clear. The European Union and Canada have declared their intent to respond firmly against these tariffs. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has promised decisive countermeasures, asserting that “unjustified tariffs will not go unanswered.”
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged a strong reaction, stressing the importance of a coordinated and firm response during a speech in Paris. Similarly, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz backed a united European stance in hopes of avoiding a damaging cycle of tariffs and retaliations.
Outside of Europe and North America, South Korea’s acting leader, Choi Sang-mok, has announced plans to protect their domestic industry while maintaining dialogue with the US. Meanwhile, the leader of Ontario, Doug Ford, emphasized that all members of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) should raise tariffs on Chinese products to match the US, proposing a unified North American strategy to counteract perceived economic threats from China.
These global reactions underscore the tensions and economic ramifications set off by the US’s unilateral trade measures. The call for solidarity amongst trading partners highlights the broader international concern regarding protectionist policies and their potential impact on global trade dynamics.