By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) - 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.
The measures include a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian goods and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports until those countries "cooperate fully" with the US in combating drug trafficking, it said.
“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% tariff, the US also imposes a 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources, it said.
China was criticized for its alleged role in subsidizing 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 tariffs aim to pressure Mexico, Canada and China to cooperate more on drug enforcement and border security, according to the White House.