Trump announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, set for March 4, citing fentanyl smuggling concerns. He also raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. While talks with North American officials continue, the new trade measures could disrupt economic ties and escalate tensions with China.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports will take effect March 4, along with an additional 10% duty on Chinese goods. He cited continued fentanyl smuggling into the United States as the reason for the measures.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the tariff on Chinese imports would be in addition to the 10% duty imposed on Feb. 4 over the fentanyl crisis, bringing the total tariff to 20%.
Trump first announced the tariffs on his Truth Social account, saying fentanyl shipments into the U.S. remained at “very high and unacceptable levels.”
When asked whether Canada and Mexico had made enough progress in curbing fentanyl trafficking, Trump said, “I don’t see that at all. No, not on drugs.”
The White House said discussions with Canada, Mexico, and China are ongoing. However, Trump’s freeze on U.S. foreign aid has slowed efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling.
The freeze delayed U.S. training programs for Mexican authorities and stalled the expansion of a United Nations initiative aimed at improving cargo screening in Mexican ports, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has postponed a ban on duty-free, low-value package shipments from China, Canada, and Mexico until stricter screening measures are in place.
The tariffs mirror Trump’s first-term trade war strategy with China, where he steadily increased duties until Beijing engaged in negotiations. So far, Chinese President Xi Jinping has responded with a limited 10% retaliatory tariff on U.S. energy and farm equipment.
If tariffs on Chinese imports reach 20% across the board, Beijing could impose stronger countermeasures. The U.S. imported $439 billion in goods from China in 2024, many of which already faced duties of up to 25% from Trump’s previous trade actions.
Economists warn that further tariff hikes could destabilize both economies. China is struggling with a property crisis and weak domestic demand, while the U.S. continues to battle inflation and high interest rates.
In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, China urged “equal dialogue and consultation” to resolve trade disputes.
In an effort to avoid the tariffs, Canadian and Mexican officials met with U.S. counterparts in Washington on Thursday and Friday. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard was set to meet Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss possible compromises.
Mexican officials have suggested countermeasures, including expanding tariffs on cheap Chinese imports.
In Canada, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty defended the country’s anti-smuggling efforts, saying, “The evidence is irrefutable—progress is being made.”
The Canada Border Services Agency announced a new initiative to crack down on illegal contraband, focusing on fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Trump said the tariffs will move forward as planned on March 4, unless there is significant progress.
An Iranian tanker was hit by U.S. forces on Saturday near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf...
Spanish authorities are preparing a new site in Ceuta to accommodate hundreds of migrants who remain on the str...
A Chinese national was pulled alive from a tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, authorities said, 10 days after a wall of ...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, according to three senior Iranian sources. Washington is escalating pressure in hopes of securing concessions in future negotiations.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
A Chinese national was pulled alive from a tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, authorities said, 10 days after a wall of ice, rock and mud tore through a Himalayan valley, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving more than 5,600 missing.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Spanish authorities are preparing a new site in Ceuta to accommodate hundreds of migrants who remain on the streets following large-scale arrivals in July, local media reported Saturday.
At least two people were killed and dozens injured on Friday after an explosion at a military barracks in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha, about 30 km (20 miles) from La Paz, Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said.
The resolution, sponsored by African countries and led by Togo, passed by 164 votes to one, with six abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote against it.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment