Border Security Takes Center Stage as Trump Promises Mexico Tariffs
President-elect Donald Trump raised the stakes in a longstanding border dispute, proposing a substantial tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. This comes as American anxieties about border security and an influx of drugs rise.
Newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated contact with Trump, marking the beginning of their political relationship. Their conversation focused on migration and drug trafficking, two critical issues deeply concerning both Tom and Sheinbaum. According to Trump’s pronouncements on Truth Social platform, Mexico’s president agreed to stop migration through Mexico and into the United States, essentially closing the Southern Border.
Thump promised a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada starting on his first day in office. He justified the move as a response to what he called "illegal immigration, " "crime" and "drugs" crossing the border. "The idea of China knowingly allowing fentanyl precursors
to flow into the United States runs completely counter to facts and reality.
“About the issue of US tariffs on China, China believes that China-Us economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. No one will win a trade war or a tariff war,” Liu clarified in a statement
This prompted a swift response from Sheinbaum, emphasizing Mexico’s existing strategy focused on human rights while addressing — not closing borders. "They characterize the call as productive and said "Migrant caravans are not arriving to the US border because they are being addressed in Mexico.
"
In an effort to stifle the proposed tariffs and encourage a constructive solution, Sheinbaum highlighted that "migrant caravans are not arriving to the U.S. border, as they are being addressed" in Mexico. They did not specify what these measures are or when they will take effect.
International Ripples
Sheinbaum wasn’t alone in reaching out to Trump, making the situation a global stage for diplomacy. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also
spoke with Trump, emphasizing border security and trade.
Chinese response emphasized the
Highlighting the promise
"No one will win a trade
Trump’s Promises Prompt Pushback
Trump remained firm. "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country," Trump declared on Truth Social.
The Chinese Embassy refuted reports that China knowingly allows fentanyl precursors to flow into the United States, calling it "completely counter to facts and reality."
Trump’s fierce stance drew a strong response.In a statement, the Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu refuted that China
Global Fallout
Trump’s tariff threat left an international impact as leaders weighed in. "/>
"This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl
co
"
How might President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada affect American consumers?
## Trump’s Tariff Threats: Will They Work?
**(Host):** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, an economist specializing in international trade. Dr. Carter, President-elect Trump has promised a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over immigration, crime, and drugs. Could you shed some light on the potential economic impact of such a move?
**(Dr. Carter):** Well, the proposed tariffs are certainly drastic, and their economic consequences could be significant and far-reaching.
Trump’s tariffs, as initially threatened, aim to address complex social and political issues with purely economic tools. This rarely proves effective. While his administration might perceive these tariffs as leverage to curb immigration, the economic fallout could hurt both American consumers and businesses.
Historically, tariffs often lead to higher prices for consumers, as imported goods become more expensive. This could impact a wide range of everyday products, from food and clothing to cars and electronics.
**(Host):** And what about the potential impact on American businesses?
**(Dr. Carter):** Businesses that rely on imports from Mexico and Canada could face increased costs, potentially jeopardizing jobs and innovation.
**(Host):** We’ve seen the long-term economic impacts of previous trade wars, particularly the one initiated by the Trump administration against China. As of March 2024, those tariffs have generated over $233 billion in revenue for the US government, but they have also put a significant burden on American consumers, with 62% of that revenue collected during the Biden administration. [[1](https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/tariffs/)]. What lessons could we learn from that experience?
**(Dr. Carter):** The experience with the China tariffs shows that while tariffs might generate revenue, they often come at a high cost. They can disrupt supply chains, stifle economic growth, and lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, further damaging the global economy.
**(Host):** So, what would you suggest as alternative solutions to address the concerns over immigration and border security?
**(Dr. Carter):** Complex problems like immigration require comprehensive solutions that go beyond simply imposing tariffs. Investing in border security measures, addressing the root causes of migration, and pursuing diplomatic solutions with Mexico and Canada are more sustainable and effective approaches.
**(Host):** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your valuable insights. This is certainly a complex issue with significant economic and geopolitical ramifications. We’ll continue to follow developments closely.
