Oct 19, 2025
3 min read
Trump's orders for tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China have been interpreted as measures to fight illegal immigration and drug smuggling.However, not everyone agrees with this justification.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that starting at midnight, he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.Critics argue that Trump's tariff plan will stifle global growth and raise prices for American consumers.But the U.S. president defended the measures, saying the tariffs were necessary to address issues such as immigration and drug trafficking and improve U.S. industry.
Trump said America may have problems, but people understand."But in the long run, the United States has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world," he added.
Here's how the world is reacting to Trump's words:
- In response to Trump's tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a similar 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of US goods.The Prime Minister of Canada went to X on Sunday and wrote, "This is the time to choose products made in Canada," Mr. Trudeau said Sunday on X. "Check the label. Do your part. When possible, choose Canada," he said.Trudeau said late Saturday that they did not want to raise the issue but that they would stand up for Canada.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has asked her economy minister to take tariff and non-tariff measures, which are expected to include a 25% tariff on U.S. imports.
- China's Ministry of Commerce said it will take the US to the World Trade Organization and file a lawsuit over what it calls a "wrong practice" and implement countermeasures to safeguard its interests.
- In Europe, the French Industry Minister Marc Ferrecci also strengthened the demand for introduced tariffs, while the Italian strike Adolfo warned against triggering a "trade war".
- The European Union issued a stern warning to Trump and stated that if he imposes customs duties on the goods of the European Union, they will act harshly.The development reflects global discontent over his trade policies.The warning came after Trump on Friday confirmed his plan to impose tariffs on goods from the EU, on top of the tariffs he already imposes on Canada, Mexico and China.
Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China have been interpreted as an action aimed at fighting illegal immigration and drug trafficking.However, not everyone agrees with this rationale.U.S. government reports show that illegal border crossings from Mexico have decreased over the past year, and seizures of fentanyl along the northern border are relatively low.
Allegations related to Mexico and drug cartels
Trump's executive order on Mexico claims that drug traffickers and the Mexican government have an "unsustainable alliance" that threatens the national security of the United States.He notes that this relationship must be broken to eliminate the influence of dangerous organizations.
Canada's role and concerns about fentanyl
The Order on Canada claims that Mexican cartels also operate there.Although the size of the fentanyl was relatively small, Trump argued that it could still be enough to kill "9.5 million Americans".
China’s alleged opioid situation
Trump's executive order on China accuses the Chinese government of providing a "safe harbor" for criminal groups to launder money made from illegal synthetic opioids.
Trump of Trump support for triffs
Regardless of the legal reasons given for these tariffs, Trump has also expressed strong support for tariffs in general.He believes they will make America richer, although they may also create higher prices for consumers and businesses because they are passed on as taxes.
