
The 47th president of the United States has taken to social media to propose a way Canada can avoid “much higher taxes” and sidestep tariffs.
Yesterday, February 1, Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing what he called “catastrophic” tariffs to hold China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for their failure to curb the influx of harmful drugs into the US.
The order enforces 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tax on goods from China. To further support this move, Trump also declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
These tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday, February 4.
According to a statement from the White House, these tariffs are part of Trump’s “bold action” to ensure Mexico, Canada, and China keep their promises to stop illegal immigration and prevent dangerous substances like fentanyl from entering the US.
The order claims, “There is growing production of fentanyl in Canada, and enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans.” It further notes that illegal crossings from Canada have hit record highs in the past four fiscal years.
In response, Canada has announced it will impose a 25 percent counter-tariff on US goods worth CA $155 billion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that this would have “real consequences” for the American public, and that the White House’s actions would ultimately drive a “split” rather than foster unity.