Synopsis
On February 2, 2023, US President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China took effect, marking the beginning of a trade war expected to affect additional countries. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy to address issues related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.Key Takeaways
- Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China initiated
- 25% and 10% tariffs imposed on specific imports
- Focus on drug trafficking and illegal immigration
- Future increases planned for various sectors
- Potential impact on global trade relations
Washington, Feb 2 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump’s tariff increases on Canada, Mexico, and China were implemented on Saturday evening, as announced by the White House, signaling the onset of a trade war anticipated to extend to additional nations.
The Trump administration has imposed an extra 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10 percent tariff on imports from China. However, oil imports from Canada will be subjected to a reduced rate of 10 percent.
The White House emphasized that the influx of illegal immigration and narcotics, particularly the lethal fentanyl, represents a national emergency, according to a factsheet outlining the tariff increases. It stated, “President Trump is taking decisive measures to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable for their commitments to curb illegal immigration and prevent the influx of harmful drugs into our nation.”
This is likely just the initial strike in President Trump’s commitment to utilize tariffs to tackle both trade and non-trade challenges with significant trading allies. He intends to announce further tariff increases on sectors including computer chips, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, copper, oil, and gas later this month, with the EU in his sights.
The White House fact sheet mentioned, “The flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl into the United States, via unlawful distribution networks, has triggered a national emergency and a public health crisis.”
It further criticized Chinese officials for not taking the necessary steps to eliminate the flow of precursor chemicals to known criminal syndicates and to dismantle money laundering operations by transnational criminal groups.
The White House accused the Mexican government of colluding with the drug cartels responsible for smuggling these substances into the United States. It stated, “The Mexican drug trafficking organizations maintain an unacceptable alliance with the Mexican government,” adding, “The government of Mexico has provided safe havens for the cartels to manufacture and transport dangerous narcotics, leading to the overdose deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.”
These cartels also operate in Canada, the White House noted, stating, “A recent study highlighted Canada’s increased domestic production of fentanyl and its expanding role in global narcotics distribution.”
