Washington DC [US], February 2: US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs, including fentanyl.
Trump took action under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stressing the need to protect Americans and fulfill a campaign promise. In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained the decision, stating, “Today, I have implemented a 25% Tariff on Imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian Energy), and a 10% additional Tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl. We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favour of it.”
Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1, and had also warned of tariffs of up to 60 per cent on Chinese-made products during his election campaign. However, he did not take immediate action on the latter but instead instructed his administration to further study the matter.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the announcement, saying that Canada’s response to US tariffs would be “forceful but reasonable.” He told reporters, “If the president does choose to implement any tariffs against Canada, we’re ready with a response — a purposeful, forceful but reasonable, immediate response.”