Washington, D.C.: President Donald Trump announced the imposition of significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China on Saturday, citing national security concerns tied to what he described as a “major threat” posed by illegal immigration.
The new tariffs include a 25% levy on Canadian and Mexican goods, while Chinese imports will face a 10% tariff. The move has sparked swift backlash from both Ottawa and Mexico City, with leaders in both countries vowing retaliatory action.
Trump signed three executive orders to enforce the tariffs, claiming that the actions were necessary to protect U.S. citizens and address what he called the “worst border crisis” in the nation’s history. “We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure their safety,” Trump said in a social media post. “I promised to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs across our borders, and Americans overwhelmingly supported that agenda.”
The tariffs come in response to what the White House calls the “Biden Administration’s failed border policies,” which have reportedly led to over 10 million attempted illegal crossings, including a growing number of Chinese nationals and individuals on terrorist watch lists.
While Canadian and Mexican exports will now face the 25% tariffs, U.S. energy imports from Canada will be subject to a lower 10% rate “until the crisis is alleviated,” according to the White House.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed disappointment over the move, stating that Canada “did not want this, but is prepared to respond.” Trudeau later confirmed that Canada would impose a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo criticized Trump’s approach, saying that tariffs would not solve the issues at hand. “The problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs, but by talking and dialoguing,” she stated, adding that she had instructed the Secretary of Economy to implement a counter-strategy to protect Mexico’s interests.
At the time of the announcement, there was no official response from China. The situation remains fluid as all parties brace for further developments.
