Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada, Mexico will start Tuesday, doubles fees on China
USA TodayFEB 21
Trump Doubles China Tariffs, Confirms 25% Duty on Canada and Mexico
Above: "USA" signage as vehicles wait in line to cross into the US at the Canada-US border in St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec, Canada, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Image copyright: Andrej Ivanov/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's tariffs worked during his first term, and the mere threat of them began to work on Canada and Mexico before he even entered office this year. These targeted tariffs will continue to work to keep corrupt governments from leeching off the US by leveraging America's economic might diplomatically. The current global economy isn't a free market — it requires unprecedented solutions to unprecedentedly corrupt times.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's tariffs are illogical for two reasons. First, they're an insult to China, which has worked to help the US fight the illegal drug trade by classifying fentanyl as a controlled substance in 2019. They also damage the economy by breaking World Trade Organization rules, disrupting global trade, and discouraging investment with erratic policy shifts, ultimately harming US consumers and manufacturers.