President Donald Trump has announced new import tariffs from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing an ongoing national security and public health crisis. The tariffs take effect immediately, with a 25% additional tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. Energy imports from Canada will face a lower 10% tariff.

The Trump administration justified the decision under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), highlighting the rise in illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis. Officials argue that Mexican cartels, with alleged government ties, continue to traffic fentanyl into the U.S., contributing to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. Additionally, China’s failure to curb precursor chemical exports to cartels remains a key issue.

The move is part of Trump’s broader strategy of using economic leverage to pressure foreign governments into action. The administration emphasized that previous policies failed to halt drug trafficking and illegal border crossings. The U.S. trade deficit surpassing $1 trillion also influenced the decision.

Reactions have been mixed, with some praising Trump’s “America First” trade policy while others warn of economic fallout and rising consumer prices. Businesses dependent on North American supply chains could face disruptions, and China may retaliate with countermeasures.

This latest action builds on Trump’s first-term trade policies, including steel, aluminum, and Chinese goods tariffs. It remains to be seen whether these tariffs will force Canada, Mexico, and China to comply with U.S. demands or escalate into another global trade war.

For more details, refer to the official White House fact sheet: whitehouse.gov.