“The illegal fentanyl that they have sourced and allowed to distribute into our country, which has killed 10s of millions of Americans” is the reason for the charges, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
It is currently unclear if goods like oil will be exempt from the import duties.
Trump stated on Thursday that the action was also intended to address trade disparities with its neighbors and the significant number of unauthorized migrants who have crossed US borders.
“These are promises made and promises kept by the President,” Ms. Leavitt stated during a Friday news briefing at the White House.
Trump vowed to impose up to 60% tariffs on Chinese-made goods during the election campaign.
