Trump reaffirms 25% tariff on Mexico, Canada to combat drug flow, illegal border crossings

President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, aiming to curb the flow of drugs and illegal border crossings into the United States.

On November 26, Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that he would sign an executive order on January 20, 2025, imposing a 25% tariff on all products entering the US from Mexico and Canada, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

"This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, particularly fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!" Trump declared.

He added, "Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price."

In response, Canadian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, stressed the strength of the US-Canada relationship, particularly in terms of trade and border security.

"Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border," the officials said, noting that Canada is a crucial partner in US energy supply, with 60% of US crude oil imports coming from Canada.

Trump also called for an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing the country's failure to halt the flow of illicit drugs. "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," he claimed.

Economists have warned that such tariffs could raise consumer prices. The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated that Trump's tariffs would cost the average US household approximately $2,600 per year.

Raymond Robertson, a trade professor at Texas A&M University, argued that the approach may not be as effective this time. "Countries know what's coming. This is more likely a play designed to put pressure on our closest trading partners," he said, adding that nations could shift their trade focus to Europe, leading to higher costs for US consumers.

The US Department of Justice has dropped all federal cases against elected President Donald Trump, a move hailed as "a major victory for the rule of law", said Republican transition team communications director Steven Chung.

"Today's decision by the Department of Justice brings an end to the unconstitutional federal cases against President Trump," Chung emphasised.

By Aghakazim Guliyev