Early in June, President Trump announced pending tariffs for steel and aluminum on the European Union, Canada, and Mexico. This announcement arrived just before G-7 proceedings were to begin in Quebec, Canada. 

Critics of the Trump’s announcement amounted the tariffs as a domestic political maneuver to signal that he is willing to undermine trade relations with the other members of the G-7 for potential political gains amongst his base. The European Union announced that they will issue retaliatory tariffs on the same products, eschewing their own earlier statements dismissing any protectionist policies. Canadian officials announced condemnation for these moves by the United States, and issued their own tariffs on steel, aluminum as well as whiskey and maple syrup. Finally, Mexico’s government issued similar tariffs on steel and aluminum, and added pork and bourbon to the list. Observers were concerned that this was the beginning of what could be a trade war amongst allies, that ultimately will result in higher prices for consumers in this competing nations.