President Donald Trump has acknowledged that US tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China would cause some economic “disturbance” but insisted they were necessary to protect American jobs and national interests.

His remarks, delivered during a joint session of Congress, came as trade tensions escalated, with Canada, China, and Mexico vowing retaliation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs, accusing Trump of economic sabotage, while Beijing responded with countermeasures and a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization.

Global markets reacted negatively, with Wall Street indexes sliding amid fears of a deepening trade war. 

Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, including avocados and lumber, have disrupted key industries, while Canada retaliated with a 25 percent levy on US goods worth CAN$30 billion and plans for further action.

Meanwhile, China imposed 10-15 percent duties on American agricultural products and suspended US lumber imports.

Despite the backlash, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that Trump might ease tariffs on Canada and Mexico while maintaining pressure on China.

As trade disputes intensify, Beijing has vowed to fight US policies to the bitter end.