Donald Trump threatens even higher tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico
President-elect Donald Trump on Monday said he will impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese products entering the U.S. and a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico.
“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 posted on Truth Social, his social media platform.
“Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump’s post continued.
Newsweek has reached out to the Trump transition team via email for additional comment on Monday.
In another post to Truth Social, the president-elect said in part: “As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs 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. 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.”
Trump then said the tariffs would remain “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
China and Mexico are the two countries trafficking the most fentanyl and fentanyl-related products into America, according to the Associated Press, per the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
While campaigning during the 2024 election season, Trump said he would enact tariffs on the two nations in efforts to halt drugs from entering the U.S., Reuters reported.
This is a breaking story that will be updated with additional information.