
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he intends to impose tariffs on European Union and revealed that his government is considering a 10% tax on Chinese imports. He justified this measure by the entry of fentanyl from China into the US through Mexico and Canada.
Trump made the remarks to reporters at the White House a day after taking office without implementing immediate tariffs, defying campaign promises. Despite a brief positive reaction from financial markets and trade groups on Tuesday, his remarks underscored his intention to impose broader tariffs, with a new Feb. 1 deadline for 25% levies against Canada and Mexico, as well as tariffs on China and the European Union.
Trade surpluses and tariffs in the European Union
The president noted that the EU and other countries have worrisome trade surpluses with the United States. “The European Union is very, very bad for us,” he said, reiterating remarks he made on Monday. “They will have to pay tariffs. That’s the only way to achieve justice.”
Trump has also signaled the possibility of imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico if those countries do not step up efforts to curb the smuggling of illegal immigrants and fentanyl, including Chinese precursor chemicals, across U.S. borders. He had previously suggested a 10% tariff on Chinese goods for trade reasons, but has now tied that measure to a Feb. 1 deadline.
China responded by saying it is ready to maintain dialogue with the US to “properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.” China’s foreign ministry stressed its intention to promote stable and sustainable relations with the US. “We always believe that there are no winners in a trade or tariff war. China will firmly safeguard its national interests,” spokesman Mao Ning said at a briefing on Wednesday.
International responses to tariff threats
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told CNBC that Trump’s tariff threat to Canada and Mexico is aimed at pressuring the two countries to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs into the U.S. “The reason to consider tariffs of 25%, 25%, 10% or something like that against Canada, Mexico and China is because 300 Americans die every day from fentanyl overdoses,” Navarro explained.
On Monday, Trump announced a sweeping crackdown on immigration, including a ban on asylum. He also signed a memorandum ordering federal agencies to conduct comprehensive reviews of trade deficits, unfair practices and currency manipulation involving trading partners, including China, by April 1. The move reflects the administration’s focus on critical trade issues.
In response, Mexico and Canada have adopted a conciliatory tone. For example, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized Mexico’s sovereignty and independence. She has also stated that U.S. actions will be met “step by step.” Sheinbaum has also stressed that the free trade agreement between the three countries will not be renegotiated before 2026. This statement is intended to dispel speculation about an early reform of the pact, which moves more than $1.8 trillion in annual trade.
Source: David Lawder, Andrea Shalal and Steve Holland | Notícias Agrícolas