- Trump to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods from March 4.
- An additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods will also take effect on March 4.
- The tariffs are aimed at tackling fentanyl imports contributing to the U.S. opioid crisis.
- 72,776 U.S. deaths were linked to synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl, in 2023.
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will go into effect on March 4. The new tariffs, aimed at reducing the deadly influx of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into the United States, will target products imported from these two countries.
Trump made the announcement on Thursday (27 February) through a post on his Truth Social platform, reaffirming his commitment to combating the opioid crisis. “We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA,” Trump said. “Until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS will indeed go into effect, as scheduled.”
The tariffs come in response to the ongoing fentanyl crisis, with the U.S. seeing a record number of opioid-related deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 72,776 people died from synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, in 2023. The drug, which is predominantly manufactured in China, has led to an alarming increase in fatalities, prompting Trump to take strong measures.
Trump also announced that an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports will be implemented on the same date, further escalating tensions between the two nations. This move comes on top of the existing 10% tariff imposed on February 4, 2025, over fentanyl concerns. “China will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date,” Trump said, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in addressing the issue.
Diplomatic Tensions
While the tariffs are set to go into effect, there are ongoing discussions with officials from Mexico, Canada, and China. A White House official indicated that these talks are centered around reducing fentanyl deaths and improving border security.
In Washington, Canadian and Mexican officials have been in high-stakes meetings with U.S. counterparts, attempting to negotiate solutions to avoid the tariffs. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard and Canadian Public Safety Minister David McGuinty are among the key figures engaging in talks aimed at demonstrating progress in curbing the illegal drug trade.
McGuinty, addressing the media on Thursday, argued that Canada had made significant strides in tightening border security. “The evidence is irrefutable—progress is being made,” McGuinty said, hopeful that the talks would prevent the tariffs from going forward.
Meanwhile, the Canada Border Services Agency has launched a cross-country initiative aimed at intercepting illegal fentanyl shipments. The initiative focuses on halting the flow of synthetic narcotics from Canada to the U.S.
China, which has been a key focus of the U.S. administration due to the fentanyl trade, responded diplomatically. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, China urged for “equal dialogue and consultation” to address economic and trade concerns. This statement signals China’s willingness to engage in talks with the U.S. to resolve the issue without resorting to tariffs.
Study on Global Tariff Policies
In addition to the March 4 deadlines for Canada, Mexico, and China, Trump’s administration is preparing for a study on global tariff policies. White House Economic Adviser Kevin Hassett mentioned that the study, due by April 1, will influence future tariff decisions for all countries, including Mexico and Canada.
This study could lead to new policies and reciprocal tariffs that mirror duties imposed by other nations. The results of this study are expected to shape U.S. trade strategies in the months to come.
The imposition of new tariffs on Mexican, Canadian, and Chinese goods marks a significant escalation in President Trump’s fight against the opioid crisis. As the U.S. faces record deaths from fentanyl, the president’s decision to take a hard line on trade is a reflection of the urgency surrounding the issue. Whether these tariffs will achieve their intended goal of reducing fentanyl imports remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Trump administration is committed to tackling the crisis head-on.