U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced a major policy initiative he intends to implement immediately after his inauguration on January 20.
In his statement on Monday (November 25), Trump asserted his intention to impose “massive” import tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China.
Trump outlined his plan through his social media platform, Truth Social.
“On January 20, as one of my first executive orders, I will sign all necessary documents to impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada,” he wrote, as reported by CNN.
This measure, Trump explained, is aimed at curbing the flow of illegal immigrants from these countries who take advantage of trade activities at U.S. border crossings.
Additionally, the policy is designed to combat the influx of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, allegedly originating from Mexico, Canada, and China.
“These tariffs will remain in place until drugs, especially fentanyl, and all illegal immigrants stop invading our country!” Trump declared.
The president-elect also revealed plans to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from China, increasing the existing rates.
This move is intended to exert additional pressure on China over the issue of illegal drug trafficking.
Trump claimed he had engaged in multiple discussions with Chinese authorities on this matter but to no avail.
“I have had many talks with China regarding the large volumes of drugs, especially fentanyl, being sent to the United States. However, there has been no result,” he said.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu stated that China has been actively cracking down on drug cartels in its territory.
“The idea that China is deliberately allowing fentanyl precursors to flow into the United States is completely contrary to facts and reality,” Liu said.
He also emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial trade relations between the two nations.
“Regarding U.S. tariffs on China, China believes that China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial. No one wins in a trade war or a tariff war,” Liu added.
As of now, neither the Mexican nor Canadian governments have issued an official response to Trump’s plans to impose high tariffs on their goods.
Media outlets have reached out to representatives from both nations but have yet to receive a reply.
Trump’s proposal is expected to provoke strong reactions from the international community and affect the U.S.’s trade relationships with its partners.
Many are now watching to see how this policy will unfold and what its broader implications might be for the global economy.
