Canada and Mexico are working to demonstrate effective measures against fentanyl trafficking in light of U.S. President Trump’s impending tariffs on their imports. The efforts include a significant extradition of drug cartel leaders by Mexico and ongoing talks with U.S. officials to prevent a 25% tariff on goods amid rising concerns over opioid-related deaths.
On Friday, Canadian and Mexican officials aimed to demonstrate progress in combating the influx of fentanyl opioids into the United States, seeking to avert impending tariffs set by President Donald Trump’s administration. With a deadline of March 4 looming for a potential 25% tariff on over $900 billion of their goods, officials planned to meet with key U.S. trade officials to discuss their advancements in drug reduction efforts.
President Trump reiterated his commitment to enforce tariffs amidst concerns of inadequate measures to reduce fentanyl-related deaths in the U.S. On Thursday, Mexico made headlines with its largest mass extradition of drug cartel suspects in a decade, including a notorious kingpin linked to the murder of a U.S. drug enforcement agent, along with 28 other suspects involved in fentanyl trafficking.
To augment its trade response, Mexico’s Deputy Economy Minister, Vidal Llerenas, indicated the potential for adopting additional measures aimed at mitigating low-value shipments from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. government had initiated a suspension of the “de minimis” duty-free exemption for packages under $800, which facilitated unscreened shipments of fentanyl-related substances into the country, but the suspension was temporarily paused for the implementation of suitable screening protocols.
As discussions regarding trade tariffs progressed, President Trump’s focus was momentarily diverted due to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit aimed at securing U.S. support against Russia’s military actions. The timing of the new tariffs coincides with the commencement of China’s parliamentary meetings, where significant economic strategies for the coming years are expected to be revealed, giving Beijing limited time to respond with countermeasures.
White House officials have affirmed continual dialogues with China, as well as Mexico and Canada, particularly regarding fentanyl-related fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that synthetic opioids were responsible for 72,776 deaths in the U.S. in 2023, with fentanyl being the primary contributor.
In summary, Canadian and Mexican authorities are proactively collaborating with the U.S. to address the fentanyl crisis, attempting to stave off impending tariffs that could significantly impact their economies. Notable actions, such as Mexico’s mass extradition of drug cartel leaders, highlight a commitment to tackling drug trafficking. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue and international dynamics evolve.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
