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President Donald Trump plans to launch tariffs on Mexico and Canada beginning in February, he told reporters this week.
Trump has yet to sign an executive order related to tariffs with the two neighboring countries but has verbally stated plans to start the 25 percent charge on imports on Feb. 1.
“We’re thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing vast numbers of people” across the border, Trump said. “I think we’ll do it Feb. 1.”
Trump wrote after his presidential win in November that he planned to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China. Trump shared the news on his Truth Social account in multiple posts related to the topic.
“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before. Right now a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump wrote.
“This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! 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!” he continued.
Trump specifically addressed China in a second post, noting plans of a 10 percent tariff on goods from the nation.
“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail. 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, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before,” Trump stated.
“Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he added.