On Monday, November 4th, US Republican presidential candidate Trump (Trump) vowed at a rally in North Carolina to exert pressure on Mexico to be more proactive in stopping the influx of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States. Trump explained that unless the Mexican government takes steps to strengthen border control, he will impose a 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico.
“We are experiencing an invasion from Mexico. Mexico now has a new president, reportedly a very good lady. Although I haven’t met her yet, I will convey to her on the first day or earlier, that if the Mexican government does not take action to stop criminals and drugs from flowing into the US, I will immediately impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico,” Trump said at the rally.
Trump claimed that this tariff plan is “100% feasible” and told the audience that if the desired results are not achieved, he will regularly increase the tariffs by 25%. He then talked about his experience building a border wall during his first term and recalled his dissatisfaction with certain design details.
Despite economists warning that imposing tariffs could lead to price increases for US goods, increasing household spending, Trump is unfazed. He stated that after the tariffs take effect, not only will it compel Mexico to block illegal immigration and reduce drug smuggling, but it will also bring back manufacturing to the US, reduce the US-Mexico trade deficit, and boost the US economy and long-term interests.
According to the US Trade Representative’s office, the total trade between the US and Mexico in 2022 is estimated at 855 billion yuan, with nearly 500 billion yuan of goods imported from Mexico.
Throughout his first term, Trump warned Mexico multiple times in an attempt to halt illegal immigrants from entering the US through the US-Mexico border.
On June 10, 2020, Trump announced: “A 5% tariff will be imposed on all Mexican imports until the situation of illegal immigrants entering our country via Mexico stops. The tariffs will gradually increase until the issue of illegal immigration is resolved. If the immigration crisis persists, the US will raise tariffs to 25% by October 1.”
That year, Trump also deployed troops to the border for control and stated the intention to fully close the border.