Trump Slaps Tariffs On Canada, Mexico, China Over Border Security And Fentanyl Crisis
President Donald Trump signed executive orders Saturday imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, fulfilling his pledge to take action against countries failing to stop illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
“Tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are SIGNED!” White House spokesman Harrison Fields announced on X. The orders include a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, and a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources.
The tariffs are set to take effect Tuesday, Feb. 4. According to a White House fact sheet, the orders aim to hold these nations accountable for not stopping the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, into the U.S. Officials stated the measures would remain in place until progress is made in reducing the amount of fentanyl entering the country and the number of American deaths caused by it.
The executive orders also contain a retaliation clause, allowing the U.S. to raise tariffs further if any of the affected countries impose their own trade penalties in response. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that his country was prepared to respond and warned of potential “disastrous consequences” for American workers and consumers.
Trump declared the situation a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, emphasizing that criminal organizations smuggling drugs and people across the border threaten the “fabric of our society.”
House Republicans have supported Trump’s tariff strategy, while industry groups and Democrats have raised concerns about potential economic impacts. The National Foreign Trade Council warned the tariffs could increase costs on goods ranging “from avocados to automobiles,” while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued they would raise prices for American families.
Trump has signaled he may impose additional tariffs on the European Union, stating such actions would make the U.S. “very rich and very strong.” Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday that Canada, Mexico, and China have yet to offer solutions that would lead to the removal of the tariffs.
