In a bold announcement on Truth Social, Donald Trump revealed his intention to impose tariffs on all goods entering the U.S. from China, Canada, and Mexico. This significant policy move comes as he prepares to take office. Trump indicated a 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada, along with an extra 10% on goods from China. He cited the ongoing crisis of fentanyl trafficking and rising illegal immigration as justifications for these tariffs, which he intends to enact as one of his first executive orders post-inauguration.
In an eye-catching revelation on Truth Social, Donald Trump, the incoming president, laid out his plans to impose substantial tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. This announcement was made shortly after 10:30 AM AEDT on a recent Tuesday, signaling a stern approach to trade policies as he prepares to assume the presidency.
Donald Trump, who recently secured victory in the presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, indicated he would impose a 25% tariff on products coming from Mexico and Canada, alongside an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from China. He characterized this move as part of a broader set of "first Executive Orders" he plans to sign on January 20, coinciding with his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States.
In his post, Trump referenced the troubling issue of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, arriving from China as a significant reason for the heightened tariffs. He expressed frustration over discussions with Chinese officials regarding drug trafficking and stated, "Representatives of China told me they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through." He noted that drugs are flooding into the United States, primarily through Mexico, at unprecedented levels.
Trump's rhetoric also linked unauthorized immigration to the proposed tariffs, blaming it for crime and drug-related issues. He emphasized, "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
Scott Bessent, a billionaire recently appointed as Trump's Treasury secretary, articulated his views on tariffs in an opinion piece for Fox News, referring to them as a strategic negotiation tool. Bessent described tariffs historically as a method for raising revenue and safeguarding crucial industries within the U.S., and added that Trump has now incorporated tariffs into foreign policy strategies.
Bessent emphasized how tariffs could aid in achieving foreign policy goals, including compelling allies to improve their defense spending, facilitating U.S. exports to foreign markets, fostering cooperation to combat illegal immigration, and addressing the trafficking of fentanyl.
Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid that can be prescribed for severe pain, is estimated to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Illegally produced fentanyl in powder form is often mixed with other drugs, inadvertently making them more addictive and hazardous.
A staggering statistic highlighted that U.S. authorities intercepted approximately 12,247 kilograms of fentanyl at the border during the 2024 budget year, a significant increase compared to just 1,154 kilograms in 2019, during Trump's previous term as president.
These proposed tariffs mark a significant shift in U.S. trade policy and set the stage for a contentious starting point for Trump’s presidency as he tackles these intertwined issues of trade, drugs, and immigration.
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