Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Feb 28: In a fresh move escalating trade tensions, US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced an additional 10% tariff on imports from China, citing the continued flow of Fentanyl into the United States.
Trump justified the tariff hike by blaming China for being the source of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that, he claimed, enters the US through Mexico and Canada. He accused these countries of failing to curb the illegal trade, stating that more than 100,000 Americans died last year due to Fentanyl use.
"Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at unacceptable levels. A large percentage of these drugs, much of them in the form of Fentanyl, are made in and supplied by China," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports will come into effect on March 4, alongside previously announced 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for their alleged role in drug trafficking and illegal migration.
The US President also reaffirmed the April 2 Reciprocal Tariff system, under which the US will impose matching duties on imports from countries that levy higher tariffs on American exports.
Trump has frequently singled out India as a potential target under this system, arguing that the country imposes higher tariffs on US goods, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. While there are reports of an impending hike in duties on pharmaceuticals, which could impact India’s generic drug exports, no specific dates have been announced yet.
In addition to China, Trump has also warned the European Union (EU) of impending tariffs. Earlier this week, he vowed to slap a 25% duty on EU exports, claiming the bloc was "formed to screw the United States." The proposed tariffs will apply generally to cars and other goods, though further details remain unclear.
With the March 4 deadline approaching, global markets are bracing for the impact of Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, which could further strain international trade relations.