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.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the cou...
As Britain's sanctions on three Georgia-registered companies made headlines on 26 May, the Georgian side of the story was already complicated. The Nat...
European companies are continuing to deepen their presence in China, with nearly seven in ten firms maintaining or expanding their supply chains despi...
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restric...
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a three-day state visit focused on energy, transport and economic cooperation ...
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Israeli forces carried out more than 120 airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Tuesday (26 May), killing at least 31 people in one of the heaviest bombardments in recent weeks, according to Lebanese security and health officials.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran has called Monday's U.S. strikes on it 'a gross violation' of their ceasefire. The U.S. military said it carried out defensive strikes in southern Iran after boats were seen laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S. says a peace deal may require several more days.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese investigators have uncovered hidden tunnels, missing worker trackers and fake underground walls during an initial investigation into the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than 15 years.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Spanish police visited the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid on Wednesday as part of a widening High Court investigation into alleged attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings involving party and government figures.
Latvia is strengthening its anti-drone capabilities along its borders with Russia and Moscow-allied Belarus after several drones entered the NATO member’s airspace, according to a senior military official.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment