Trump threatens to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the Black Conservative Federation's Annual BCF Honors Gala at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, S.C. Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Photo Courtesy: AP

Kathmandu: President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China as part of his efforts to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all goods entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on products from China. The tariffs would be among his first executive actions when he assumes office on January 20, 2025.

The proposed tariffs, if implemented, could raise prices for American consumers on a wide range of goods, including gasoline, automobiles, and electronics. Mexico, Canada, and China are the top three suppliers of imports to the United States, according to U.S. Census data.

Trump’s threat comes amid his continued focus on the U.S.-Mexico border and the rise in fentanyl trafficking from both Mexico and China. In his posts, Trump accused Mexico and Canada of contributing to an “invasion” of illegal migrants and drugs into the U.S., stating that the tariffs would remain in place “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”

He also targeted China for its role in the fentanyl crisis, writing, “Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States.”

Source: AP