Trump Announces Sweeping Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China
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In a bold move set to shake international trade, President Donald Trump has declared the imposition of significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, effective Saturday. The tariffs include a 25 percent levy on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports. This decision is expected to lead to swift price increases for U.S. consumers.
Trump’s announcement comes as part of his strategy to secure greater cooperation from these countries in curbing illegal immigration and the smuggling of chemicals used in fentanyl production. Additionally, the tariffs aim to boost domestic manufacturing and generate revenue for the federal government.
During a press conference in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump was unequivocal when asked if there was anything Canada, China, or Mexico could do to prevent the tariffs. “No, nothing. Not right now. No,” he stated.
When pressed further about seeking concessions from these countries, Trump responded, “We’ll just see what happens.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the president’s rationale, citing the influx of fentanyl from Canada as a primary concern.
“The president will be implementing tomorrow a 25 percent tariff on Mexico, 25 percent tariffs on Canada, and a 10 percent tariff on China for the illegal fentanyl that they have sourced and allowed to distribute into our country, which has killed tens of millions of Americans,” she said.
Trump also highlighted a substantial trade deficit with Canada as a justification for the tariffs. He claimed a $200 billion USD trade deficit, although TD Economics reported the 2024 deficit to be around $45 billion, questioning the accuracy of Trump’s figure.
This latest announcement follows a series of shifting deadlines for tariff implementation. Initially, Trump threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico on “day one” of his second term. However, this was delayed, with an executive order initiating a study on broader trade practices, now set to be completed by April 1.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly expressed uncertainty regarding the specifics of Trump’s comments, stating that the federal government has yet to see “any form of pure decision making” or “any form of specific details coming from the White House.”
In his press conference, Trump also mentioned targeting February 18 for tariffs on oil and gas, with a probable reduction to 10 percent on oil. The United States remains the primary destination for Canadian crude oil, with imports reaching a record 4.3 million barrels per day in October 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, advocating for oil and gas exemptions from tariffs, emphasized the negative impact on consumers, workers, and businesses on both sides of the border. “The Premier has been clear from the start that any tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian goods will hurt American and Canadian consumers, workers, and businesses. That view has not changed,” stated Smith’s press secretary, Sam Blackett.
Trump also hinted at future tariffs on steel and aluminum but did not provide specifics on which countries would be affected or the timeline for implementation.
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