Donald Trump's strategy focuses on blaming Mexico, Canada, and China for the current crisis in the United States, especially regarding drug trafficking, with fentanyl as the central point. The U.S. president has linked the Mexican government to drug trafficking, arguing that the introduction of illegal drugs into the country has contributed to the public health crisis.
In response to this situation, Trump has implemented additional tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, aiming to pressure these countries to meet their commitments to stop the flow of illegal migration and combat the trafficking of dangerous substances. As part of these measures, a 25% tariff has been established on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a reduced 10% tariff on energy imports from Canada.
According to the White House, the Mexican government, by sheltering the cartels, is jeopardizing U.S. national security. Trump has highlighted the growing presence of Mexican cartels in Canada, especially in the production of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, which exacerbates the international drug trafficking crisis.
In this context, President Trump has declared a national emergency due to the threat that illegal immigrants and drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, pose to security and public health in the United States. Trump seeks to use the economic power of his country to pressure Mexico, Canada, and China to take concrete actions to curb these issues.
Furthermore, Trump has made it clear that access to the U.S. market is not a right but a privilege that can be revoked if the necessary conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens are not met. Collaboration between Mexican drug trafficking organizations and the Mexican government is deemed unacceptable by the White House, as it allows the cartels to operate with impunity, putting the lives of thousands of Americans at risk.
The lack of measures by China to stop the shipment of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl has contributed to the rise in overdose deaths in the United States. In response, Chinese imports will now face a 10% tariff, in an effort to pressure China to take concrete actions to combat drug trafficking to the United States.
