WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump marked his 200th day in office on Wednesday by imposing new tariffs on various countries, just days after implementing a 35 percent duty on Canadian goods. Trump announced on social media, "BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN TARIFFS ARE NOW FLOWING INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!" shortly after the new tariffs took effect.

The recent escalation in Trump's trade war began last week when he applied a 35 percent tariff on Canadian products not covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Following this, U.S. tariffs on goods from over 60 other nations and the European Union were raised just after midnight on Thursday. The new duties vary, with Brazil facing tariffs as high as 50 percent, while the EU, Japan, and South Korea saw increases to 15 percent. Bangladesh and Vietnam were subjected to 20 percent tariffs, and Switzerland's tariff rose to 39 percent.

In addition to these tariffs, Trump has also maintained separate duties on steel, aluminum, copper, and automobiles. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of these tariffs, stating, "Tariffs are flowing into the USA at levels not thought even possible!" According to the Budget Lab at Yale, Americans will face an average tax of 18.3 percent on imported goods, marking the highest rate since 1934.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the tariffs, stating, "A tariff on Canada is a tax on the American people," and added, "This is hurting the American people." He noted that Canada and other nations are diversifying their trade in response to the tariffs.

Economic indicators suggest that Trump's tariffs may be negatively impacting the U.S. economy. Following a disappointing jobs report, Trump dismissed the head of the agency responsible for the figures. The U.S. Commerce Department also reported a slight uptick in inflation for June.

Legal challenges may pose significant obstacles to Trump's trade policies. Recently, federal appellate judges questioned the administration's use of a national security statute to justify the tariffs. They inquired about the application of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977, noting that the term "tariff" does not appear in the statute. Although no ruling was made, the uncertainty loomed over the president as the tariffs were implemented.

Trump expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "THE ONLY THING THAT CAN STOP AMERICA’S GREATNESS WOULD BE A RADICAL LEFT COURT THAT WANTS TO SEE OUR COUNTRY FAIL!"

In Canada, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre suggested that the country should maintain targeted tariffs to pressure the U.S. into restoring a fair trade relationship. He stated, "We need to narrowly target our counter-tariffs at things that maximize the impact on the Americans while minimizing impact on Canadians."

Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that he might consider lifting some counter-tariffs if it benefits Canada in the ongoing trade dispute. He mentioned, "We look at what we can do for our industry that's most effective. In some cases, that will be to remove tariffs."

The Liberal government's strategy has sparked division among provincial leaders. Ford advocates for strong counter-tariffs, while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has called for a reduction in retaliatory measures. Poilievre criticized Carney for not securing a deal by Trump's August 1 deadline, claiming, "He has made concession after concession to President Trump. He's been bending over backwards for the president and so far has gotten nothing in return."

Poilievre plans to introduce a bill in Parliament this fall aimed at repealing laws he believes hinder production and development. However, he must first win a seat in the House of Commons during an upcoming byelection on August 18.