Everything You Need to Know About President Trump’s New Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican Imports

ADDRESSING A NATIONAL CRISIS: President Donald J. Trump is moving forward with tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico. These tariffs aim to tackle the national security threat posed by drug trafficking, particularly the flood of dangerous substances like fentanyl into the U.S.

• President Trump provided both countries opportunities to combat cartel activities, but they have not done enough to stop the influx of harmful drugs.
• The rise in illegal drug trafficking has led to a significant public health crisis in the U.S., with fentanyl being a major concern.
• Mexican drug trafficking groups, particularly the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, are the primary contributors to the fentanyl crisis, operating with little interference from the Mexican government.
  • The Mexican government has allowed these cartels to thrive, resulting in countless overdose deaths in America.
  • These cartels are known for their violence and corruption, exerting control over vast areas in Mexico.
  • They manufacture fentanyl in secret labs and smuggle it into the U.S. through border entry points, with 97% of drug seizures occurring at the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Violence related to cartels is escalating, with attacks involving sophisticated weaponry becoming more common near the border.
  • This troubling relationship between the Mexican government and cartels poses a direct threat to American security that must be addressed.
• Now, cartels are also establishing fentanyl labs in Canada.
  • Recent studies show a surge in Canada’s domestic fentanyl production and its role in global drug trafficking.
  • Canadian drug trafficking organizations are operating large “super labs” capable of producing significant amounts of fentanyl weekly.
  • Fentanyl seizures at the northern border have risen sharply, with this year’s figures quickly approaching last year’s totals.
• The failure of both Canada and Mexico to effectively combat drug trafficking poses a serious threat to U.S. safety, prompting the need for action under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S COMMITMENT: When Donald J. Trump was elected, he was given a clear mandate to take strong action at the border. He is dedicated to that promise.

• The current administration has seen a surge in illegal immigration, creating the worst border crisis in U.S. history.
  • Over 10 million illegal crossings have occurred during this administration.
  • This issue isn’t just confined to the southern border; encounters at the northern border are also on the rise.
  • The constant flow of illegal immigrants brings serious challenges to schools, housing, healthcare, and safety in communities.
    • In the last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl—enough to harm billions.
    • This year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported large fentanyl seizures on both the southern and northern borders.
    • Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S., escalating each year.
    • In 2022 and 2023, synthetic opioids were responsible for a staggering number of drug-related fatalities.
    • Seizures represent only a small portion of the fentanyl smuggled into the country, which is alarming.
    • Each year, more deaths occur from fentanyl overdoses than the total number of American lives lost during the Vietnam War.

FOCUS ON TRADE AND SECURITY: President Trump is committed to ensuring that U.S. trade policies prioritize national security.

• Trump has emphasized that trade policy is vital for national security.
• He previously announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all products coming from Mexico and Canada until both nations address drug trafficking and illegal immigration issues.
• During his first term, he took significant steps to combat the opioid crisis, declaring it a public health emergency and launching initiatives to address addiction.
• He has a proven record of prioritizing American interests in trade and national security.
• When faced with threats from global steel and aluminum oversupply, Trump acted swiftly to implement protective tariffs.

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