Trump Threatens New Tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada to Combat Illegal Immigration and Drug Smuggling
Donald Trump has announced plans to impose new tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada starting on his first day as president. These tariffs aim to pressure these countries to address illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the U.S. Specifically, Trump plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods until China stops the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Trump’s proposed tariffs would escalate tensions with the U.S.’s three largest trading partners. He argues that Mexico and Canada have the power to resolve the issues, particularly concerning fentanyl and illegal border crossings. Trump also criticized China for not following through on promises to punish fentanyl dealers, while the Chinese government denies any responsibility for fentanyl smuggling. These tariffs could significantly impact U.S. consumers, although Trump has claimed that the burden would fall on the other countries, not on Americans. Economists, however, largely view this as misleading. The tariffs also appear to violate the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal signed during Trump’s first term, which maintained duty-free trade between the three countries. Trump’s approach to tariffs is part of his broader economic strategy, which he views as a tool for protecting U.S. jobs, growing the economy, and raising revenue. His rhetoric about tariffs as a negotiating tool has been echoed by his Treasury Secretary pick, Scott Bessent.