Trump targets trade with new tariff plans on Mexico, Canada, and China

President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, framing the move as a response to the fentanyl crisis and other border concerns, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent, citing NBC News.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared his intention to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada.

”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. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!,” Trump stated.

Trump also proposed additional tariffs on China, criticizing its role in 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 wrote. “Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America."

The Chinese Embassy in Washington pushed back, emphasizing the mutual benefits of U.S.-China trade. “No one will win a trade war or a tariff war,” said spokesperson Liu Pengyu, adding that China had resumed counter-narcotics efforts following a U.S.-China agreement last year.

Canada, meanwhile, emphasized its strong partnership with the U.S. “Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border,” said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc in a joint statement. Mexican officials did not immediately comment.

Mexico and Canada are the U.S.’s largest trading partners, accounting for nearly 30% of trade. Industries like vehicle manufacturing, dairy, and wood products could face significant disruptions. The U.S. also remains a key market for Chinese exports, with current tariffs already impacting industries such as electric vehicles.

Trump’s proposals could violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal he championed during his first term. Economists predict significant pushback, noting tariffs could cost Americans an estimated $78 billion annually and raise prices on consumer goods.

Despite opposition, Trump has defended tariffs as necessary to hold foreign nations accountable: “Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that we’ve done for the world, and the tariff will be substantial.”