Trump plans tariffs on China and Mexico to tackle fentanyl crisis

President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on China and Mexico to address the fentanyl crisis and illegal immigration. He announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, citing insufficient action against drug trafficking. Experts note that while tariffs may encourage cooperation from these countries, they could also harm existing collaborations, particularly with China. The Biden administration had made some progress in addressing the fentanyl issue through negotiations, which may be jeopardized by Trump's approach. The fentanyl crisis remains severe, with nearly 75,000 overdose deaths in 2023. Experts emphasize that tariffs alone will not solve the problem and advocate for broader strategies, including improved access to addiction treatment and addressing underlying social issues.