Trump to Enforce 25% Tariff on Canada and Mexico Starting ‘Day One’
President-elect Trump revealed on Monday his intention to sign an executive order immediately upon taking office to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. He also vowed to increase tariffs on China, citing concerns about illegal immigration and the trafficking of dangerous drugs.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20, 2025, emphasized the alarming number of people “pouring through” Mexico and Canada “at levels never seen before.”
“Right now, a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border,” Trump wrote. “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!” he declared. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem.”
“And until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” he added.
During his prior administration, Trump repeatedly called on Mexico to take stronger action to curb the flow of illegal drugs and immigrants into the U.S.
Responding to the announcement, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc issued a joint statement. They highlighted the robust relationship between Canada and the United States, particularly regarding trade and border security.
“Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border. Our relationship today is balanced and mutually beneficial, particularly for American workers,” they stated. “Today, Canada buys more from the United States than China, Japan, France, and the UK combined. Canada is essential to US domestic energy supply, and last year 60 percent of US crude oil imports originated in Canada.”
The statement also noted the cooperation between Canadian and U.S. law enforcement agencies. “Law enforcement agencies from our respective countries—the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and US Customs and Border Protection—work together every single day to disrupt the scourge of the fentanyl coming from China and other countries.”
They further emphasized Canada’s commitment to addressing the issue. “The CBSA is continuously strengthening its ability to detect opioids through enhanced inspections at ports of entry, detector dogs, and emerging technologies, preventing opioids from entering and leaving Canada,” they added.
Later, Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, attributing the decision to the “massive amounts” of fentanyl smuggled across the border.
Trump pointed out that he had previously engaged Chinese officials on the issue, noting their pledge to execute drug dealers involved in the trade. However, he criticized their failure to deliver on this promise.
“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,” Trump reiterated in a Truth Social post.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has been responsible for countless deaths in the U.S. Even small amounts can be lethal. Many illegal drugs are mixed with fentanyl to enhance their potency, often unbeknownst to users. This growing crisis has significantly contributed to the rise in drug overdoses.
U.S. authorities frequently assert that illegal fentanyl is manufactured in Mexico using precursor chemicals imported from China, with drug cartels smuggling it across the U.S. border.
A report by the Heritage Foundation, titled “Holding China and Mexico Accountable for America’s Fentanyl Crisis,” underscores the gravity of the situation. It states, “Indeed, unknown to most Americans, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is actively funding, supporting, and pushing America’s most deadly drug threat in history.”