President Trump has turned his focus toward trade, setting plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on Mexico and Canada while doubling the 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports starting March 4.
Mexico and Canada are hopeful they can resolve the issue and delay the tariffs, but Trump has voiced frustration over insufficient progress in curbing fentanyl trafficking. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that drugs, especially fentanyl from China, continue to enter the U.S. through Canada and Mexico at “unacceptable levels.”
Trump emphasized that this issue must be addressed to protect the United States, insisting that the planned tariffs will proceed unless there’s a significant reduction in drug trafficking. The president also plans to levy an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.
Last month, Trump had detailed his intention to impose these tariffs, although Canadian energy products like oil and natural gas would only face a 10 percent tax.
Previously, Canada and Mexico managed to secure a 30-day delay on the tariffs after committing to measures aimed at reducing the influx of drugs and illegal immigration into the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum committed to deploying 10,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a $1.3 billion border plan and appointed a Fentanyl Czar to tackle the issue.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed Trump’s tariff plans in an interview with Fox News, noting that tariffs might not be as high as 25 percent due to the efforts made by Canada and Mexico.
“They have done a lot, so he’s sort of thinking about right now how exactly he wants to play it with Mexico and Canada, and that is a fluid situation,” Lutnick explained. He added that the specific tariffs would be determined through negotiations by the President and his team.
Mexican President Sheinbaum expressed optimism about reaching a last-minute agreement to avoid the tariffs. She stated her intention to discuss the matter with Trump, aiming to protect the USMCA trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. “I hope we can reach an agreement and on March 4 we can announce something else,” she said, indicating her desire for a resolution.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned Mexico’s “very interesting” proposal to match U.S. tariffs on China. In Canada, preparations are underway for a leadership change as Trudeau steps down, with the new prime minister set to inherit the tariff dispute.
Trudeau remarked, “There is no emergency for the United States at the border with Canada when it comes to fentanyl,” and outlined Canada’s counter-tariff plans.
Trump’s announcement of an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports follows years of unmet promises from Beijing to control fentanyl trafficking. In retaliation, Beijing imposed counter tariffs on various U.S. products and launched an investigation into Google. Trump has opted not to discuss these matters with Chinese President Xi Jinping at this time, preferring to address them “at the appropriate time.”
White House senior counselor Peter Navarro defended the administration’s use of tariffs as a strategy to combat drug trafficking, not as a trade war. Critics, including business groups, argue that the tariffs could harm consumers and strain relations with key trade partners. However, supporters, especially those affected by the fentanyl crisis, back Trump’s decision.
Christine Bish, who lost her daughter to a fentanyl overdose, highlighted the ease of obtaining the drug, saying, “For $12, you can buy four fentanyl pills.” The CDC reports that fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, accounting for 69 percent of overdose deaths in 2023.
When asked about potentially pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Trump was firm, stating, “I’m not stopping the tariffs, no. Millions of people have died because of the fentanyl that comes over the border.” While acknowledging a decrease in illegal immigration, he stressed the continued threat of fentanyl.
Trump reiterated the devastating impact of fentanyl, noting that it predominantly originates from China but enters the U.S. through Mexico and Canada.
The president also announced plans for reciprocal tariffs on all nations starting April 2. This strategy, he described, aims to address economic imbalances and ensure fair trade practices globally.
