U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order imposing new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, citing concerns over border security and drug trafficking. The tariffs, announced at his Mar-a-Lago club on Saturday, include a 25% duty on Mexican and most Canadian goods, a 10% levy on Canadian energy products, and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
The move, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, has sparked immediate backlash. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum vowed retaliatory tariffs, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared his country is “prepared” to respond. The tariffs threaten to escalate into a full-fledged trade war, potentially disrupting supply chains and raising prices on goods ranging from avocados to automobiles.
Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the measures, calling them necessary to protect Americans. However, business leaders and economists warn the tariffs will drive inflation and hurt American consumers.
With the tariffs set to take effect Tuesday at 12:01 AM ET, international trade relations brace for a turbulent period as negotiations and retaliatory measures loom.
