The highly anticipated US tariffs against Canada and Mexico are scheduled to come into effect on Tuesday, as confirmed by the US Commerce Secretary. These tariffs, primarily aimed at addressing concerns over illegal drug trafficking and immigration, have stirred significant discussions among trade experts and government officials.
President Donald Trump has proposed a substantial 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that while the tariffs will proceed as planned, the specific details regarding their implementation are still under negotiation. This announcement comes as part of a broader strategy to combat what the Trump administration describes as an "unacceptable flow" of illegal drugs and migrants entering the United States.
In addition to the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, a 10% tariff on Chinese imports is expected to be implemented as a direct response to US allegations that China is not taking sufficient measures to curb the flow of fentanyl into the country. This means that Chinese exports to the US could face a total levy of up to 20%, following the initial 10% tariff that was enacted a month ago.
Chinese state media has reported that Beijing is preparing a series of countermeasures to coincide with the implementation of the US tariffs, raising concerns about an escalating trade war between the two global economic powerhouses. The Global Times, a state-run newspaper in China, indicated that these countermeasures would likely target US agricultural and food products.
While analysts suggest that China is keen to avoid a full-blown trade conflict and is looking for avenues to negotiate a truce with the Trump administration, no concrete agreements have emerged between the two nations as of yet.
Canada has consistently voiced concerns that these tariffs could adversely affect both economies. Canadian Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand recently engaged in discussions with US officials and emphasized that Canada will defend its economy if tariffs are imposed. "We are steady at the wheel. We are prepared for any eventuality, but we will at every turn defend our country's economy," she stated in an interview with CBC News.
In response to the potential US tariffs, Canada has reportedly prepared a list of American goods valued at $30 billion (£23.6 billion) that it plans to levy tariffs against, including commonly used items such as pasta, clothing, and perfume.
Efforts to tackle the issue of fentanyl trafficking have intensified, with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enhancing its measures to prevent fentanyl from crossing into the US. According to US data, only about 1% of the fentanyl seized in the US is believed to originate from Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking from a summit in London, reiterated that Canada is not a significant source of illegal fentanyl in the United States.
In a broader context, President Trump has also announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, slated to take effect on March 12. Furthermore, he has threatened to impose custom reciprocal tariffs on individual countries, including additional 25% tariffs on the European Union.
As negotiations continue and tariffs loom, the landscape of international trade is evolving, with potential implications for global economies and trade relations.
