The White House confirmed on Friday that President Donald Trump will impose significant tariffs this weekend, targeting major U.S. trading partners. In retaliation for the illegal fentanyl trade, Trump will implement 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and a 10% duty on China.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that these tariffs are a direct response to the influx of fentanyl into the U.S., which has been a growing concern for the administration. The specific details of the tariffs will be made available to the public on Saturday. The announcement caused a sharp decline in the stock market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by over 300 points.
Trump’s decision is framed as a fulfillment of his promises, with the tariffs serving as tools to influence foreign policy, particularly concerning the drug trade and immigration. The U.S. conducts around $1.6 trillion in annual business with Mexico, Canada, and China, and Trump’s administration intends to use the tariffs to negotiate changes in these areas.
The move has raised concerns among economists, who worry that the tariffs could trigger inflation, especially after recent signs that price pressures were easing. Federal Reserve officials are closely monitoring the situation to assess its potential impact on the economy. Some experts also fear retaliation from the affected countries, which could further escalate tensions.