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US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports starting March 4, while resuming tariffs on Canada and Mexico over ongoing drug smuggling issues, particularly related to fentanyl.
Trump had previously announced and then paused a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports due to concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling, with Canadian energy products facing a lower rate. However, the month-long pause ends on Tuesday.
In his social media post, Trump stated that the tariffs would proceed as planned unless there is significant progress on addressing fentanyl trafficking. “China will likewise be charged an additional 10 percent Tariff on that date,” he added.
Earlier this month, Trump implemented a 10 percent tariff increase on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. A US official confirmed that the new tariff would be added on top of the existing one aimed at combating fentanyl, highlighting the insufficient progress on the issue.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed concerns over the tariffs, emphasizing China’s right to protect its interests and stating that China has already taken necessary countermeasures. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hope for a dialogue with Trump to prevent the threatened tariffs, with a high-level Mexican delegation in Washington seeking a resolution.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also warned of a swift response if the tariffs are enacted, emphasizing that less than one percent of fentanyl and illegal migrants entering the US come through the Canadian border.
Trump’s announcement also includes a scheduled reciprocal tariff on April 2, which will be tailored to each trading partner based on their trade practices, with details to follow after studies by government agencies.
