Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, Citing Border Security and Drug Trafficking

The US President enacts a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods, fulfilling a campaign promise to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling.

Washington, D.C., February 2 – US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly the smuggling of fentanyl.

Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Trump has imposed:
🔹 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian energy imports)
🔹 10% additional tariff on Chinese goods

Trump: “Protecting Americans is My Duty”

Trump justified the move as a national security measure, stating that illegal immigration and drug trafficking pose major threats to US citizens.

“Today, I have implemented a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian energy) and a 10% additional tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs, including fentanyl, killing our citizens,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise during my campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs across our borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it,” he added.

Canada and Mexico Brace for Economic Impact

Trump had repeatedly warned that he would follow through on his tariff threats starting February 1. The move is expected to strain trade relations with neighboring Canada and Mexico, which together account for over $1.5 trillion in annual trade with the US.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted swiftly, stating that Canada is prepared to respond with measured but strong countermeasures.

“If the president does choose to implement any tariffs against Canada, we’re ready with a response—a purposeful, forceful, but reasonable and immediate response,” Trudeau told reporters before a meeting with his advisory council on Canada-US relations, according to The Globe and Mail.

Trump’s China Trade Policy Under Scrutiny

During his election campaign, Trump had threatened to impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports. However, rather than taking immediate action, he has ordered his administration to study the issue further before implementing harsher penalties on Beijing.

Conclusion

With the new tariffs now in place, tensions are expected to rise between the US, Canada, and Mexico, with potential retaliatory actions looming. Meanwhile, China awaits further decisions from the Trump administration, which could escalate the ongoing US-China trade war.

As the global economic landscape shifts, the effectiveness of Trump’s tariff strategy in curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking remains a topic of intense debate.