Biden: "Trump Should Reconsider Tariffs on Mexico and Canada"

"Tariffs Are Unproductive... Should Not Damage Alliances and Relations"

U.S. President Joe Biden recently expressed opposition to the tariff plans on Mexico and Canada announced by President-elect Donald Trump.

On the 28th (local time), President Biden, visiting the Nantucket Fire Department in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving, responded to a question about Trump’s tariff plans by saying, "I hope he reconsiders."

He stated, "That would be unproductive," adding, "We are surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and two allies, Mexico and Canada. We should not start damaging those relationships."

Earlier, on the 25th, President-elect Trump announced that on his inauguration day, January 20th next year, he would sign an executive order imposing an additional 10% tariff on China and 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada respectively. He claimed that illegal immigrants are entering from Mexico and Canada and that tariffs would be imposed until the two countries resolve the issue.

Additionally, President Biden said he spoke with three Americans who had been imprisoned in China on espionage and drug charges and were released the previous day through a prisoner exchange agreement, expressing, "I am really glad they are home."

Regarding U.S.-China relations, he said, "We have established a hotline between President Xi Jinping of China and myself, and a direct communication line between the militaries," adding, "I am confident that President Xi does not want to make a miscalculation."