By Suveer Sabharwal
On Feb. 1, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Many U.S. citizens believe these tariffs will benefit the country and make it great again, but the situation is complex.
A tariff is essentially a tax that a nation imposes on goods imported from other countries. In this case, the tariffs affect Mexico and Canada. Trump signed three executive orders imposing new tariffs on these countries, which increase the price of imports by 25%. At first glance, this might not seem like a problem, but many economists believe it will lead to significant price inflation. For example, a typical household could face a $1,200 increase in costs, which will impact people’s finances.
According to recent reports from BBC, consumers will face greater difficulties due to these price increases, potentially causing hardship. For instance, an avocado that previously cost $2 per pound may now cost $5. Economists are predicting that ordinary citizens will struggle to keep up with their bills as inflation rises, economic growth slows, and homelessness increases.
Business Insider has also reported that many economists warn these tariffs could harm consumers and make it difficult to maintain a normal standard of living. Although this all sounds troubling, there is some relief. Trump has agreed to pause the tariffs for one month, as long as Mexico and Canada agree to strengthen border enforcement.
Despite the temporary pause, the tariffs are expected to take effect eventually. However, it’s worth noting that they may reduce the flow of illegal drugs and curb drug abuse. Trump’s primary objective is to decrease the amount of drugs coming into the U.S. to combat drug abuse and related violence.
In conclusion, while the tariffs could lead to significant economic problems for many Americans, we must also consider their potential to address drug trade and drug abuse issues.
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