SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — President-elect Donald Trump went on social media Monday afternoon saying he is ready to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican and Canadian imports unless those countries stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
“On January 20th, as one of my first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” wrote Trump on his Truth Social Media account. “This tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and Illegal Aliens stop this invasion of our Country!”
The tariffs would be placed on just about any product coming from Mexico and Canada.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by saying her country could place tariffs of its own on American products if Trump follows through.
“One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses,” Sheinbaum said.
She also reiterated that Mexico has prevented many migrants from reaching the U.S. saying “caravans of migrants no longer reach the border.”
President Sheinbaum emphasized that fixing America’s hunger for drugs is not Mexico’s responsibility.
She also told reporters in Mexico City during her morning briefing with the press that Trump’s proposed tariffs would only end up hurting both countries.
“It is unacceptable and would cause inflation and job losses in Mexico and the United States … if tariffs go up, who will it hurt? General Motors.”
Mexico’s president said she is willing to talk with Trump and arrive at a solution.
“Dialogue is the best path to achieve understanding, peace and prosperity for our two countries,” Sheinbaum said. “I hope our teams can meet soon.”
Locally, Alejandra Mier y Teran, Executive Director of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, said Trump’s tariffs will devastate the economy in the Tijuana-San Diego region while hurting consumers and U.S. companies on both sides of the border.
“It would be incredibly inflationary for everyone, the products that our U.S. companies are making in Mexico like in Tijuana, are medical device companies that UCSD Health, and Scripps and Sharp are buying, so when we go to the hospital, we’re going to see our bills increase,” said Mier y Teran. “When we buy a tomato in our supermarkets that’s coming from Mexico, that was crossing through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, we’re going to pay much more for that tomato, avocado or cilantro so, we’re all going to feel the pain.”
