Trump tariffs to combat fentanyl trafficking draw retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico

By
Suzanne Downing
-
177

To combat the growing opioid crisis, President Donald Trump expanded a national emergency declaration to include the influx of illicit drugs and human trafficking through the northern and southern borders.

The administration has imposed new tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports, in response to what it calls insufficient action by the Canadian government to stem the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics into the United States.

The Trump Administration cited the devastating effects on American communities, public health systems, and law enforcement agencies. Trump said that drug trafficking organizations operating in Canada and Mexico, in coordination with transnational cartels, have facilitated the smuggling of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other narcotics into the U.S. through clandestine routes, exacerbating the country’s opioid epidemic.

In a statement issued by the White House, President Trump emphasized the urgency of the crisis: “A Nation without borders is not a nation at all. I will not stand by and allow our sovereignty to be eroded, our laws to be trampled, our citizens to be endangered, or our borders to be disrespected anymore.”

Canadian officials have failed to dedicate adequate resources to counteract drug trafficking and money laundering operations linked to fentanyl production, particularly in British Columbia, which is adjacent to Southeast Alaska. In communities of Haines and Skagway, where Alaskans drive to Whitehorse, Yukon to get food and supplies, the tariffs will have an impact on everything from household goods to building supplies unavailable elsewhere.

New duties of 10% will be placed on all imports from China along with 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, with the exception of oil, gas, and electricity, which are set at 10%.

Mexico and Canada responded with tariffs of their own. Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will put a 25% tariff on up to $155 billion in U.S. imports. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called allegations that the Mexican government has entanglements with criminal cartels “slander” and directed her officials to come up with retaliatory tariffs.

Reports from Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre highlight a rising trend in domestic fentanyl production and its growing international distribution.

While much of the public debate has centered on the U.S.-Mexico border, the administration has pointed to mounting evidence that Mexican cartels are establishing fentanyl synthesis labs within Canada, further fueling the crisis. Recent seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicate that, although less fentanyl enters from Canada compared to Mexico, even small amounts of the highly potent drug can have devastating effects. The White House cited data showing that the fentanyl trafficked across the northern border last year had the potential to kill 9.5 million Americans.

To ensure compliance from Canada and Mexico, Trump has invoked the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement strict economic measures. Among them:

  • A 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports, with exceptions outlined in federal guidelines.
  • A 10% tariff on Canadian and Mexican energy resources, as defined in Executive Order 14156.

Tariffs will take effect Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, applying to all goods entering the U.S., with specific exemptions for shipments already in transit before Feb. 1

The rates of duty established by his order are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles. 

“Should Canada retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on United States exports to Canada or similar measures, the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action,” the statement from the White House said.

The imposition of tariffs on Canadian imports marks an escalation in trade tensions between the two nations. Canada is the United States’ second-largest trading partner, and these measures could have profound economic consequences on both sides of the border. Experts predict retaliatory tariffs from Canada, further straining diplomatic relations.

Critics argue that the administration’s approach could disrupt key industries, including automotive, agriculture, and energy sectors, potentially driving up consumer prices. Meanwhile, supporters of the policy view it as a necessary step to force Canada to take stronger action against illicit drug trafficking.

With this sweeping directive, the Trump Administration has made it clear that it considers cross-border drug trafficking from Canada and Mexico a national security threat.

As the February 4 deadline approaches, the administration has signaled its readiness to impose further penalties should Canada fail to demonstrate tangible progress in addressing the issue.

177 COMMENTS

  2. A less expensive solution is this: pass a law declaring the trafficking, manufacture, and use of fentanyl to be premeditated murder, then execute them. Transnational? Fentanyl is an act of war. Let’s call it what it is.

    • That might make you feel good, but it’s not a solution. The cartels and their dealers would love it, as it just drives up prices and profit margins. The solution, if there is one, is to find the reason for such a massive market for fentanyl, then attack that reason.

      • “…….find the reason for such a massive market for fentanyl……..”
        Somebody is feeding fentanyl users. If they don’t work, don’t feed therm.

    • Agreed. Mandatory rehabilitation for addicts, capital punishment for dealers. That is the precise policy that China used to end a 250 year opium crisis within 10 years……..and, for folks with selective memories, the opium was intentionally smuggled in through Hong Kong by foreign powers……..

  3. Hmmm … What do I ‘really’ need from Mexico or Canada?
    … Tequila?
    … Beer?
    We have other options, even if we have to sacrifffice.

      • And, when those products start rotting in their crates on the Mexican side of the border, representing a total loss for their businesses, let’s see how tariffs really work.

          • Is that why during the great depression livestock was slaughtered and crops plowed under the soil?

          • Plenty of food being produced in the US. Cheapa$$es like you just demand the cheapest foreign grown stuff because you are likely one of those paycheck to paycheck losers. I’ll bet you support CA redirecting agriculture water to the ocean because of the smelt. And, I know you support raising the minimum wage. But. something that can be used as a negotiation tool… you are opposed to because of your hatred of a single man.

      • I can do without Mexican Avocado they are grown in California and Florida , car parts this are American cars make the parts in America, maple syrup Vermont and most off the shelf are fake.

    • I’ll need lumber by June. Even Trump can’t recreate a renewed timber industry by then. I fail to see anybody fix 45 years of environmental extremism overnight. Yeah, “sacrifice” is the order of the day. Prepare for heavy seas…………

  4. Trump is absolutely brilliant, and resolute in his policies. He fights for America and Americans like no other president in history.

  5. My guess is that Amazon will
    Ake domestic carriers very very happy until after Tuesday and then we’re apt to see less Peruvian lilies for sale at Fred Meyers.

    • OMG………I’m not sure what we’ll do with fewer Peruvian lilles for Easter. Is there still time to rescind my vote and recast it for Kamala?

      • No one would ever think Peruvian lilies are a concern for someone who doesn’t know they are among the most common colorful flowers available for cheap in Fred Meyers, for the people that use them for cheering up loved ones in hospitals, nursing homes and pick-me-ups when the weather is deplorable … along with the one-third of US imports which will be impacted by tariffs including the commonplace and critical items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, gasoline, automobiles, electronics, work shoes, toys, clothing items, lumber, beer and spirits.

        Now, that we know that you’re not aware that those flowers you buy for your loved ones on sale at Carrs and Meyers are Peruvian liilies, tell me, again, Reggie, what’s the rationale behind exacting tariffs from Mexico and Canadian trading partners to fight ‘fentanyl’ that enters our country through the mail?

        • “……..what’s the rationale behind exacting tariffs from Mexico and Canadian trading partners to fight ‘fentanyl’ that enters our country through the mail?……..”
          The fentanyl excuse is an excuse. Illegal immigration is the bigger reason. But the biggest reason of all is the New World Order (which is nothing like what George HW Bush had in mind). American power holding up the WEF and other global economic entities is over, and the world will watch as it begins in North America.
          Kinda’ difficult for a lily needer to accept, but I’m afraid you have no choice now, Mrs. N. None of us do.
          Hang on. Maybe you should have built a greenhouse while Canadian lumber and subsidized solar panels were still available and affordable? You could be growing your own lilies………..

            • “……Trump was talking about drugs……..”
              Yup, and I believed that as much as you did. Like any other politician or lawyer, he was using the drug war to advance his more treasured policy goals. Canada is estimated to allow 7% of the smuggled fentanyl through our borders, almost exclusively through British Columbia to the Pacific Northwest. But Trump has several other things he wants Canada to bend on, and the Northwest Passage is one of them. Again, the world will watch and learn…………except you, of course……………

  6. I need to know exactly. I mean down to the penny, how tariffs stop fentanyl from getting into the country. Are companies importing in to sell it on the street? Is it getting declared at the border?

  8. I can only imagine that by next weekend the typical meathead will insist that it is patriotic to pay higher prices for food and gasoline. Where do we buy those stickers of Trump “I did that”?

  9. Try building a home with lumber prices going up 25 percent, and other commodities that you get from Home Depot (China) also increasing 10 percent.

    Home ownership in this country is already difficult thanks to parasitic local governments that impose ever higher property taxes. Couple this with mortgage interest rates of 7%- a near doubling under the terrible years of Biden. Homeowners insurance is also much less affordable thanks, in part, to the incredibly bad way Democrats have run their communities- to the point a wild fire can burn down thousands of homes.

    If Trump wants to use these tariffs as a temporary negotiating point, fine. But I’ve had it with incompetent, lying politicians from both parties. Trump’s multiple bankruptcies don’t show he has a lot of competence with finances.

    • Excellent points, M, and all true. Homebuyers are screwed for the next few years……….but, then, they’ve been screwed for years now.

  11. We are at war with any nation that does not respect our sovereignty and borders. Canada is a Progressive nation led by individuals who hate America and want to see our nation weakened and suffering. Mexico is a place, not a nation. It is led by crime families in the USA who want to profit off addiction. Choose your medicine. A nation of addicts or 4$ a gallon gas, and 3 dollar tomatoes.

  13. Americans living paycheck to paycheck will soon understand what they voted for, only a moron believes you win a tariff war with a country that has a trade surplus with you

  15. Ohhh…. Canada and Mexico are going to impose retaliatory tariffs. I am shaking in my boots.
    .
    Seriously, who is benefiting more from trading with our neighbors to the north and south? The US or the other countries? (That is the opening for the leftists here to find the one item we import from each country and claim higher prices on it will ruin the nation.) (Like seriously… is your household budget going to be blown when avocados go up 3 cents each?)

  16. It’s time we get back to producing some our basic needs like food, steel, oil, minerals, etc. It lessens the likelihood of strangling embargos and blockages which could shut this country down.

  18. I don’t buy fentanyl. I buy fruits, vegetables and lumber. Has America ever won a drug war? There is always a replacement. If people want to do use fentanyl that is their choice.

  20. This is no way to treat our friends. Especially Canada who has steadfastly stood by the US through thick and thin, fought shoulder to shoulder. If we keep on this path, the US will stand alone and friendless against the world, led by an arrogant, narcissistic fool. This is a stupid way for America to end.

  21. Let’s see…
    Canada and Mexico had two choices. They could have:
    1. Stepped up enforcement of the border, and made their ports of egress into less desirable avenues for the drug cartels,
    -OR-
    2. impose retaliatory tariffs.
    .
    Very telling they chose the second option.

    • Take care of your own. Fool wants to be an isolationist, then crying he needs help. Then goes full bully on the whole world and they turn on him. Seen this movie before. I’m waiting for you to admit you were wrong. Not holding my breath though
      You types are unable. You just slurk away.

  23. I love how so many on here are blaming America’s drug habit on the suppliers and not the users. What happened to personal responsibility? No amount of tariffs will do anything to curtail the flow of drugs into this country.

    • Cman, I too would like to put the onus on the drug users more than the suppliers.

      But when you are living in a nation in long-term decline, aggravated by four ruinous years of a usurper who did EVERYTHING in his power to further undermine, degrade and destroy this country, can one NOT expect hopelessness and despair to run rampant? I am not apologizing for or condoning drug users in any way, but actions have consequences, and the political actions that have radically ramped up poverty and despair are inevitably going to have the consequence of increased drug use, just as happened in Russia with rampant alcoholism after the fall of the Soviet Union.

      I’m not pretending to have a solution to the problem here, only pointing out factors that have contributed to the problem.

    • Funny talking about personal responsibility.
      I seem to remember you leftists were all about forgiving student loan debt. I guess personal responsibility is important when it is a Republican taking the action, but not when a Democrat does it.

      • And never forget about the radical leftists’ LOVE of having women abort their babies after the squirt daddies flee the scene, with neither party accepting any responsibility for a life casually created and then casually destroyed.

        • You are solidly on the left side of the political aisle. When 90%+ of their policies are the things you defend, it is easy to make a generalization.
          Unless you are going to claim you are not a leftist.

        • Actually, that did get a chuckle out of me. I am smart enough to recognize a joke when I see one.
          Unlike leftists and anyone afflicted with TDS. They have no sense of humor at all. Oh… and isn’t a good sense of humor an indicator of higher intelligence?

  24. Howdy CMan. A lot of people a being killed by accidental contact with Fentanyl. Most is made in China and sent to Mexico where it is processed into a Saleable form, like the candy enticing Image above these comments. Counties like that knowingly allow distribution of this POISON are truly evil. and should be treated accordingly. For a CURE. Goggle—-El Salvador MEGA PRISONS.

  25. I’m down for this. Canada yaps and yaps and yaps constantly.

    Texas has a bigger economy than Canada.

    I’m happy to pay higher prices if it breaks them economically.

  26. “WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!). BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID. ”

    Funny, I don’t remember pain being a part of Trump’s election promises, except for that which he was going to inflict on his enemies.

    Starting to feel a little sorry and afraid after having voted for him? Not yet? You will soon. All is being revealed.

    • “…….Starting to feel a little sorry and afraid after having voted for him?……..”
      I didn’t vote for Trump. I voted against Kamala. I picked my poison, and I suspect I did so wisely.

      • Well, it hasn’t been around long enough to see, if that’s true or not, but for me, it’s the same old thing. Trump is a liar and a spiteful businessman and a creep. What people need to realize is that tariffs don’t go away. They stick for decades. So be prepared for these prices to remain high, in fact, expect them to go higher. Trump thinks that he’s going to get manufacturing to increase in the United States. And for every job that gets created here, it costs the American consumers, about $865000. That’s pretty expensive.

    • Trump said….I’m going to twist and twist and twist until it hurts.And then i’m going to twist some more, and you’re gonna like it and ask me to do it again and again and again. And you will gladly get the mark of the beast because you realize that all is lost. Lol

    • Anyone with a mental age over five knows that what Trump was running on will mean some short term negatives. Because adults can understand the cause leads to effect linkage, and children cannot, it is no surprise that you do not remember President Trump saying there would be some pain.
      .
      Do you need that (obvious to every adult in the room) conclusion spoon fed to you?

      • I think that EVERY time i cast a vote. And, so does every voter in the United States.
        .
        There are no politicians, from any party, that will exclusively take actions that I a.) agree with, and b.) will not cause any adverse impacts whatsoever.

  27. I’m not a leftist whether I am all for student loan forgiveness. Especially that for public service Loan forgiveness for them it’s like a business contract. The government said, if you go to school and learn to do something that the american government finds is valuable to the nation, we will write off part of your debt. It’s a win win. That’s just good for the country.

  28. We don’t need to put a tariff on Mexico.

    Just shut the border crossings down. No produce, no auto parts, no tourists, no nothing….

    When the dollar dries up, the Mexican government will go all out to clean the border problems up.

  29. Trump is a spin guy, when he do something look behind the scene, how is he putting money in his pocket? I noticed he been silent on lowering grocery prices, gas prices.

    • I don’t know what the others political affiliation is, but mine certainly isn’t liberal. I’m a staunch conservative one that you don’t even know about, because they’re becoming more and more extinct. Everyday. truth be told, I figure you border somewhere along the lines of liberal and libertarian. You’re not old enough to know about true conservatism. And you’re just young enough and dumb enough to fall for the ropadope of the so called conservative party now.

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