Trump To Implement Tariffs in March

Early Thursday, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to declare his intention to stick to an April 2 start date for reciprocal tariffs. He also revealed plans for punitive tariffs targeting China and Mexico, set to begin in early March, as a countermeasure to the influx of fentanyl into the United States.

Trump elaborated that tariffs on Mexico and Canada would kick in on March 4, blaming these nations for fueling the drug crisis. In his post, he stated:

“Illegal drugs continue to flood into our nation from Mexico and Canada at alarming and intolerable rates. A significant portion of these substances, particularly fentanyl, originates from or is provided by China. Last year alone, over 100,000 lives were lost because of these deadly and highly addictive drugs. Over the past 20 years, millions have perished.”

He added that China would face an extra 10 percent tariff starting March 4.

These punitive tariffs seem distinct from the reciprocal tariffs scheduled for April, which are designed to mirror the import duties imposed by trading partners on U.S. goods. Trump clarified this in his post, noting, “The April 2 Reciprocal Tariff deadline remains fully intact.”

Earlier this month, Trump outlined his stance on reciprocal tariffs, highlighting that companies relocating their manufacturing back to the U.S. would be spared from these duties. He described the approach as a “straightforward and elegant solution.”

Reuters reports that Kevin Hassett, a White House Economic Advisor, indicated that the president might adjust tariffs based on an economic analysis due April 1. Hassett told the outlet, “There’s a report coming out on April 1, and afterward, the president will determine the next steps for tariff policies across all nations.”

How China, Mexico, and Canada will respond to these economic pressures in addressing the drug crisis remains uncertain.