TRUMP IMPOSES TARIFFS ON MEXICO, CANADA, CHINA TO COMBAT FENTANYL CRISIS: WHITE HOUSE

ISTANBUL, Feb 2 (Bernama-AA) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China to address the fentanyl crisis, according to the White House, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

The measures include a 25 per cent tariff on Mexican and Canadian goods and an additional 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports until those countries "cooperate fully" with the US in combating drug trafficking, it said.

The new rates will take effect Feb 4, according to the order.

“President Donald Trump is taking decisive action to protect Americans from the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45,” noted a statement

The US accused Mexican cartels of being the "world’s leading traffickers" of fentanyl and other drugs, alleging an alliance between the cartels and the Mexican government.

Regarding Canada, the White House highlighted growing fentanyl production and illegal border crossings, stating, “Enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans.”

In addition to the 25 per cent tariff, the US also imposes a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy resources, it said.

China was criticised for its alleged role in subsidising chemical companies in exporting fentanyl, with the White House claiming, “China not only fails to stem the source of illicit drugs but actively helps this business.”

The US urged the target countries to refrain from retaliation.

Should they retaliate in response to the measures "the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action," it said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned earlier that his government is preparing a strong, unified response if the US imposes tariffs on goods from his country and said Canada is ready "for any possible scenario that comes forward."

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico suggested that her nation has a series of measures in place to respond to any decision from Trump to impose new duties.

Duty-free de minimis treatment, meanwhile, will not be available for the new measures, according to the White House.

The De Minimis Tax Exemption allows shipments bound for American businesses and consumers valued under US$800 to enter the US free of duty and taxes.

-- BERNAMA-AA