President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday raising tariffs on Canadian imports from 25% to 35%. The move, effective Friday, follows his criticism of Canada’s recent decision to recognize Palestinian statehood.
The White House claimed the increase was tied to a “public health emergency” over fentanyl trafficking across the northern border, invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. However, Trump’s Truth Social post earlier that day linked the tariff action to Canada’s foreign policy.
Legal experts suggest the social media post could complicate the administration’s justification before a federal appeals court reviewing Trump’s tariff authority.
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order increasing the tariff on Canada from 25% to 35%, with the higher tariff set to go into effect on August 1, 2025. https://t.co/evAIiUwHU0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 31, 2025
While fentanyl seizures at the northern border have slightly increased, data show the vast majority of such drugs still enter through the southern border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
