Trump to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China over illegal immigration and fentanyl issues

Trump ups the ante on tariffs, vowing massive taxes on goods from Mexico, Canada and China on Day 1

US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he intends to sign a series of executive orders on his first day in office in January that would impose steep tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China unless they take stronger actions to halt the flow of illegal immigration and fentanyl drugs into the United States.

Trump outlined that he would impose a 25 percent tariff on all products coming from Mexico and Canada unless they take immediate steps to curb the flow of illegal immigrants and fentanyl. In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular, Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” He further demanded that both countries use their powers to address the issue, warning that they would face significant financial penalties if they failed to act.

Additionally, Trump turned his attention to China, announcing that he would levy a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods if the country did not take decisive action to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US. “I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, particularly fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” Trump said, criticizing the country for not following through on promises to curb the issue. He added that the fentanyl crisis was worsening, with much of the drug entering the US through Mexico.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been linked to a dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that fentanyl-related overdoses were responsible for nearly 74,000 deaths in 2022, marking an almost five percent increase from the previous year.

While Trump’s tariffs would aim to combat the flow of illegal drugs and immigration, economists have cautioned that these trade measures could lead to higher prices for American consumers. Importers and businesses producing goods in the affected countries typically pass on the burden of tariffs to consumers, which could drive up costs for everyday goods.

Trump’s stance on immigration and drug enforcement has been a central theme throughout his political career. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger borders and tougher penalties to protect US citizens from the effects of illegal immigration and the ongoing opioid crisis. The proposed tariffs are part of his broader agenda to use economic pressure to address these issues.

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