US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would soon determine whether oil imports from Canada and Mexico would be subject to the 25% tariffs he plans to impose on Saturday. While speaking to reporters, Trump mentioned that the final decision would likely be made later in the night. He clarified that the steps taken would depend on oil prices and the stand of both nations toward the United States.
The proposed tariffs are expected to force Canada and America’s two biggest trading partners into straightening their borders against illegal immigration and stopping the supply of fentanyl into the US. Trump highlighted that these duties would serve various purposes, indicating that the 25% rate could change over time.
Apart from North America, Trump also signaled at potential new tariffs targeting Chinese goods. He particularly pointed to China’s role in the fentanyl crisis, stating the synthetic opioid has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in the US. While he has already implemented major trade restrictions on Chinese imports during his first term, Trump has now introduced the idea of an additional 10% duty on all Chinese products.
Trump maintained his statement against China, arguing that Beijing must take stricter action to stop fentanyl from coming to America. He warned that the country would face more tariffs unless it halted these shipments.
The issue of fentanyl has been a constant issue of tension between the two nations despite Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2023 commitment to collaborate with then-President Joe Biden to resolve the problem. On the other hand, China has reasserted that the US should handle domestic drug demand for a broader solution.
While Trump’s latest remarks have drawn attention, Mexican officials have refused to comment on the political tariffs. Likewise, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office has also yet to respond.
(With inputs from Reuters)