Donald Trump to hit Canada, Mexico, and China with new tariffs — Here’s why

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting March 4, while also doubling the existing 10% tariff on Chinese goods.

In a Truth Social post, Trump linked the move to efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, into the US “We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA,” he wrote, confirming that the tariffs would take effect as scheduled. “China will likewise be charged an additional 10% tariff on that date.”

The announcement has already raised concerns about potential economic fallout, with fears of rising consumer prices and disruptions in the auto sector. Canada and Mexico are the US’s largest trading partners, and additional import taxes could worsen inflation, a key issue Trump has promised to address.

Trump also reiterated his plan to implement broad “reciprocal tariffs” on April 2, aiming to match the duties charged by other countries on American exports. He has signaled that European imports could face a 25% tariff, with separate levies on autos, computer chips, and pharmaceuticals.

The proposed tariffs mark a significant shift in US trade policy, with potential consequences for both global markets and domestic economic growth.