Market Chaos! Trump’s Surprise Tariffs on Canada & Mexico Set to Hit Tuesday!

Douglas Kimathi,Jadetimes Staff

D. Kimathi is a Jadetimes news reporter covering political and business updates

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Image Source: REUTERS/Leah Millis

In a move that has stunned business leaders, President Trump announced that new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will officially take effect on Tuesday (March 4,2025). The announcement, made just days ahead of the deadline, sent immediate shockwaves across financial markets, with automotive stocks, agriculture giants, and manufacturers scrambling to assess the fallout. Trump, known for his aggressive trade tactics, claimed these tariffs would “protect American jobs” and punish trade cheats, but critics warn the real victims could be US consumers and cross-border supply chains.

Auto Industry in the Crosshairs

One of the hardest-hit sectors will be automotive manufacturing, an industry deeply dependent on seamless trade with Mexico and Canada. With car parts and raw materials flowing across borders daily, higher import costs could force price hikes on cars and trucks built in North America. Automakers like Ford, GM, and Toyota—all of whom operate large factories in Mexico—have already warned that higher tariffs could disrupt production schedules and delay new vehicle launches. Analysts predict price increases of up to 10% for some models, squeezing both manufacturers and consumers.

Farmers Sound the Alarm

Beyond cars, American farmers are also bracing for retaliation from Mexico and Canada, two of the largest buyers of US agricultural products. From corn and soybeans to beef and dairy, US farm exports could face counter-tariffs, potentially cutting off crucial markets for rural America. Farm advocacy groups, many of whom supported Trump in previous elections, are urging him to reconsider, warning that new trade wars could devastate farm incomes at a time when commodity prices are already volatile.

USMCA at Risk?

The tariffs also raise questions about the future of the USMCA trade agreement, the revised version of NAFTA that Trump himself once celebrated as a major victory. By imposing unilateral tariffs outside of USMCA’s established dispute resolution process, Trump risks undermining the very deal he signed into law. Trade experts argue that Canada and Mexico could file formal complaints, escalating tensions further and potentially triggering a broader trade war across North America.

Global Investors React with Uncertainty

Financial markets reacted swiftly to the tariff news, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average shedding nearly 400 points on Monday, led by declines in industrials, automotive stocks, and agriculture firms. The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso also saw sharp declines, reflecting growing concerns that cross-border commerce could grind to a halt if relations continue to sour. In an election year, Trump’s America First trade stance may resonate with parts of his base—but it also risks alienating corporate allies and global investors alike.

Trade War Politics—A Calculated Gamble

Ultimately, Trump’s tariff move is not just about trade—it’s about politics. By doubling down on protectionism, he hopes to rally working-class voters in Rust Belt swing states, who have long blamed trade deals for job losses. However, the economic blowback could arrive just in time for the 2025 election season, leaving voters to decide whether Trump’s tariff war was a necessary defense of American industry or a reckless gamble that backfired. Either way, the markets—and voters—are bracing for turbulence ahead.

Schonbrunn Palace: A Baroque Masterpiece and Symbol of Habsburg Legacy

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Image Source: VPG Vienna

The Historical Importance

Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens are one of the finest and best-preserved Baroque ensembles in Europe, embodying the long lasting power and influence of the Habsburg dynasty. The origin of the site dates to the 16th century when Emperor Maximilian II purchased the property, first employing it as a hunting preserve and leisure area for the court. The title "Schonbrunn," or "beautiful spring," is derived from an artesian well found on the property. After the original hunting lodge was destroyed in the Turkish siege of 1683, reconstruction started in 1696 under Emperor Leopold I, with architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach designing the palace in the Baroque style. Initially conceived as a hunting lodge, Schonbrunn was it was Emperor Charles VI who, in 1728, gave his daughter, Maria Theresa, Schonbrunn. The palace was constructed up as an imperial summer palace in her day, a great time in the life of Schonbrunn and the center of court and political life. This transformation was a reflection of the Habsburgs' dominance during the late 17th to early 20th centuries, with Vienna as a hub of Baroque art and Schonbrunn as one of its greatest architectural projects.

Baroque Masterpiece

Schonbrunn is the pinnacle of the Gesamtkunstwerk concept a harmonious combination of various arts into one piece. Palace and gardens are synonymous with each other, symbolizing a cohesive artwork that epitomizes the very height of Baroque design. The gardens, created in 1695 by Jean Trehet, a pupil of Andre Le Notre, are an outgrowth of the palace, representing the magnificence of the Habsburg empire. Architectural features like the Gloriette, constructed in 1775 on a 60 meter hill to glorify Habsburg power and the idea of a "Just War," add to its imperial character. The Roman Ruins, built by architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg in 1778, symbolize the 18th century interest in picturesque ruins, which represented the fall of great powers and the retention of a heroic past. The Orangery, built circa 1755, and the Great Palm House, a stunning 1882 iron framed structure, are examples of the 19th century advances in architectural technology merging with nature.

Cultural and Historical Integrity

Schonbrunn has been modified very little over the centuries and has retained its integrity and authenticity. Although some minor changes took place in the 19th century, the palace and gardens have maintained their original shape very much. The Imperial apartments, theatre, chapel, and fixtures remain untouched, maintaining their historic integrity. The Baroque style of the gardens, as laid out by Jean Trehet in 1695, is restored using old fashioned 18th century methods. The palace's shape has not changed since 1918, so that the visitor can still find themselves in a time stopped location where the grandeur of the Habsburg legacy is alive. Of special attention are the façades of the palaces, represented in 1759/60 paintings of Bernardo Bellotto, that with their intensive articulation and ornamentation appoint the exterior an important example of the Rococo style.

Protection, Management, and Conservation

Schonbrunn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is under strict protection and management. The palace and the gardens belong to the Republic of Austria with their management being with Schloss Schonbrunn Kultur und Betriebsgesellschaft mbH from 1992. Federal Gardens Service takes care of the gardens to make sure they are preserved according to historical preservation standards. The City of Vienna enforces zoning and building regulations to prevent high rise construction from spoiling the skyline and visual equilibrium of the palace. Schonbrunn Academy goes a step ahead in conservation of heritage with specialized training courses so that knowledge on preservation is passed on to succeeding generations. Opportunities for redevelopment in cities, as offered by Vienna Ice Skating Club, Intercontinental Hotel, and Vienna Music Konzerthaus area, came into existence during recent times laying emphasis on the preservation of integrity of the place against city advancement.

Enduring Legacy and Tourism Significance

Schonbrunn remains one of the most visited attractions in Austria, attracting millions of tourists annually. As a cultural and architectural treasure, the estate offers a peek into imperial history, artistic grandeur, and European heritage. The attraction is accessed through opulent palace rooms, pristine gardens, and historic locations, offering a backdrop that embodies Austria's royal heritage. The palace continues to be an educational and cultural hub, maintaining the Habsburg legacy while adapting to modern conservation standards. Schonbrunn's combination of art, history, and nature ensures that it will continue to be a reminder of Austria's imperial splendor and a favorite among generations to come. especially noteworthy is the Tiergarten Schonbrunn, already inaugurated in 1752 within the palace gardens, and world's oldest enduring zoo that currently houses over 700 species and welcomes interactive tours by millions of visitors annually.

Australia’s Limestone Giants: The History and Future of the Twelve Apostles

Iruni Kalupahana Jadetimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia

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Image Source: Hans Mast 

The Twelve Apostles, a breathtaking collection of limestone stacks on Victoria's Great Ocean Road in Australia, is one of the country's most iconic natural wonders. Situated within the Port Campbell National Park, these towering rock stacks have long fascinated visitors with their dramatic silhouette on the horizon of the Southern Ocean. Their proximity and peculiar geological nature make them a prime tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. Despite the name, there is historical evidence that the formation has never had exactly twelve stacks. There were nine limestone stacks initially, but erosion has reduced this to seven. The most easily accessed viewing point gives a clear view of six, with the seventh slightly further from the main viewing platform.

Geological Formation and Evolution

The Twelve Apostles are a product of natural geological processes that have sculpted the coastline over the last few million years. The stacks are a section of the Port Campbell Limestone, which was deposited during the Mid to Late Miocene period, between 15 and 5 million years ago. The winds and the waves have ceaselessly pounded the shoreline. Over time, the erosive power of the Southern Ocean created caves in the cliffs, which then became natural arches. When these collapsed, they left behind free standing stacks of limestone, some of which rose up to 50 meters high. However, with the ongoing erosion, the remaining formations are also liable to collapse, with new stacks to be created when headlands gradually erode. There were major collapses in 2005 and 2009, reducing the number of stacks further.

Historical Naming and Tourism Development

Before gaining fame globally as the Twelve Apostles, the formations went by several names. The Pinnacles was what the early European settlers called them, and subsequently the Sow and Pigs (or Sow and Piglets), with Muttonbird Island being the Sow and the Piglets being the smaller limestone stacks. However, in an effort to enhance tourist appeal, the formation was aptly renamed the Twelve Apostles, taking a biblical reference to the followers of Jesus. The strategic renaming played a significant role in the development of the site as one of the most visited natural wonders in Australia, helping boost regional tourism along the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles remain a major draw for travelers visiting Victoria's coastal wonders.

Conservation Efforts

Because of their fragile nature, the Twelve Apostles are the subject of conservation efforts to protect this natural heritage. The formations are still being shaped by coastal erosion, and their survival in the future is a concern. The Port Campbell Professional Fishermen's Association vigorously objected to the establishment of the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park in 2002 out of concern that it would result in fishing restrictions. But the Victorian government later won them over by prohibiting seismic testing by Benaris Energy at the site. The association had argued that seismic testing would have catastrophic effects on marine life, particularly on fish stocks that sustain local livelihoods. Conservationists promote responsible tourism and environmental management in order to save this amazing landscape for future generations despite ongoing controversies.

A Timeless Attraction for Visitors

The Twelve Apostles remain a pilgrimage point for tourists, photographers, and nature lovers wishing to witness the power of nature. The location offers a range of visitor experiences, including viewing points, walking trails, and helicopter tours that give a dramatic aerial perspective of the formations. The most popular visits are at sunset and sunrise, when the golden hues of these periods imprint an unforgettable visual memory. Although erosion will ultimately define the landscape over time, the Twelve Apostles remain a testament to nature's continually changing beauty. Their size and geological significance ensure they will be one of Australia's most cherished coastal symbols for generations to come.