Trump vows day-one tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to reintroduce steep tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada on his first day back in office, blaming the countries for the ongoing flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration into the United States.

“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump declared in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform.

“This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem,” he continued.

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Targeting China, Trump also promised a 10% tariff “above any additional Tariff” on imports, citing frustrations over the country’s alleged failure to curb drug trafficking. “I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” Trump stated

“Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before.”

The three nations—Canada, Mexico, and China—account for a combined $831.20 billion in U.S. trade, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Any disruption in this trade relationship could have significant economic implications.

Trump previously renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement during his first term, resulting in the USMCA deal. While his fiery rhetoric suggests further changes to these agreements, it’s unclear if Mexico and Canada are willing to reenter talks.

Similarly, tensions with China escalated during his presidency due to a prolonged trade war. Current President Joe Biden has maintained several Trump-era tariffs and added new ones targeting electric vehicle components and solar panels, leaving U.S.-China trade relations in a precarious state.

Trump’s proposed measures underscore his campaign’s focus on hardline immigration and trade policies, setting the stage for contentious debates about their potential economic and geopolitical ramifications.