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According to the White House press service, US President Donald Trump has decided to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The reason was threats to the national security of the United States due to the uncontrolled flow of drugs, in particular fentanyl, which has caused a large-scale public health crisis.
“Despite all the opportunities provided to Canada and Mexico to stop drug cartels, these countries have failed to respond effectively,” the White House said in a statement.
Trump has accused Mexican cartels of producing fentanyl and smuggling it into the US, noting that these groups are colluding with the Mexican government, controlling border areas and fighting local security forces.
The growing role of Canada in the spread of fentanyl is also noted. According to the White House, the country has “superlabs” capable of producing tens of kilograms of fentanyl every week, and seizures on the northern border of the United States continue to grow.
“The failure of these countries to dismantle the drug trade poses an extraordinary threat to America’s security. We must protect the lives of our citizens,” Trump said.
The new 25% tariffs will apply to all goods entering the US from Mexico and Canada and will remain in effect until the flow of illegal migrants and drugs across the borders is stopped.
The White House also reminded that the opioid crisis has already become one of the largest tragedies in the United States: more Americans die from fentanyl overdoses every year than died during the entire Vietnam War.
Trump stressed that his administration will continue to protect the national interest by using trade leverage to fight drug trafficking and illegal migration.
