Trump signs executive order on tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China to address the fentanyl crisis, the White House announced.

The measures include a 25 percent tariff on Mexican and Canadian goods and an additional 10 percent on imports from China until these countries "fully cooperate" with the United States in combating drug trafficking, the statement said.

“President Donald Trump is taking decisive action to protect Americans from the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45,” the White House stated.

The US has accused Mexican cartels of being the "world's leading traffickers" of fentanyl and other drugs, also citing alleged collusion between cartels and the Mexican government.

Regarding Canada, the White House highlighted the growing production of fentanyl and illegal border crossings, stating that “enough fentanyl to kill 9.8 million Americans was seized at the northern border last fiscal year.”

In addition to the 25 percent tariff, the US is also imposing a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy resources, the statement said.

China has been criticized for its alleged role in subsidizing chemical companies in the export of fentanyl.

"China not only fails to stop the source of illegal drugs but actively aids this business," the White House added.

The tariffs are intended to pressure Mexico, Canada, and China to cooperate more in combating drugs and border security, the White House stated.