Donald Trump aims to return to the White House amidst one of the closest Presidential Elections in history against Kamala Harris. In recent weeks, immigration and border security have become central topics as both candidates vie to capture as many votes as possible. Now, Donald Trump has intensified his stance on the issue.
Donald Trump Strongly Threatens Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
In his campaign’s final stretch, Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Claudia Sheinbaum. Should he win the election, Trump says he’s ready with a historic decision that could impact Mexico.
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“I am going to inform her on day one or sooner that if they do not stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country, I am going to immediately impose a 25% tariff on everything they send into the United States of America,” Trump said.
“If that does not work, I will make it 50,” he continued. “If that does not work, I will make it 75. I will make it 100.”
🇺🇸🇲🇽 Donald Trump threatens Sheinbaum with tariffs on all of Mexico’s exports to the U.S. if she doesn’t “stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into the US.”
No mention of gun trafficking to 🇲🇽 or of American complicity in the drug trade. pic.twitter.com/1rXs1YYdx4
— Samuel 🇲🇽 (@resisres) November 5, 2024
What Is a Tariff?
A tariff is a tax or fee that a government places on goods and services imported or exported between countries. The primary goal is to regulate international trade and protect the local economy. However, in Trump’s case, it would serve as an arbitrary measure to pressure Mexico into tightening border security.
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There are two main types of tariffs. Ad valorem tariffs are calculated as a percentage of the value of the imported product. For example, a 10% tariff on a product valued at $100 would add a $10 fee. Trump’s proposal would set this at 25% across all products – a seemingly extreme measure.
On the other hand, specific tariffs are based on the quantity or unit of the imported product, such as a fixed rate of $5 per kilogram imported.
Internationally, tariffs can serve various purposes. Primarily, they aim to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive and less competitive compared to local products.
Tariffs can also generate government revenue and regulate the flow of specific products. However, as mentioned, few countries use tariffs as a form of pressure outside an economic context, as Trump has threatened to do.
Donald Trump threatens Mexican President@Claudiashein with tariffs of as much as 100% if Mexico doesn’t stop “this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country.”#DonaldTrump #ClaudiaSheinbaum #Mexico #Tariffs pic.twitter.com/KiSIYsEQVr
— Rafael Romo (@RafaelRomoCNN) November 4, 2024
This article was originally published in Spanish by Miguel Fernandez in CC News.