New Tariffs Cause Concern Among Trucking Stakeholders

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Trucking stakeholders are raising alarm that U.S. implementation of tariffs on Mexico and Canada will harm American truckers, cause supply chain instability and hike price tags for consumers.

President Donald Trump on Feb. 1 announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian oil and gas. A 10% tariff on Chinese imports was also part of the package, which Trump officially implemented as national emergency tariffs to be applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act due to what the White House described as extraordinary threats from illegal immigration and drugs, such as fentanyl. The act was created by President Jimmy Carter in 1977.

“Access to the American market is a privilege. The United States has one of the most open economies in the world, and the lowest average tariff rates in the world,” the White House stated. “Tariffs are a powerful, proven source of leverage for protecting the national interest. President Trump is using the tools at hand and taking decisive action that puts Americans’ safety and our national security first.”

The White House said trade accounts for just 24% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product at a time when the country’s national trade deficit stands at more than $1 trillion. In contrast, the White House noted that trade accounts for 73% of Mexico’s GDP, 67% of Canada’s and 37% of China’s, figures that are in l…