President Trump Raises Tariffs on Canadian Goods to Combat Opioid Crisis
Impact Score: 3.2
Timeline: Tariff increase effective August 1, 2025
Summary: The U.S. increased tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35% to address the fentanyl and opioid crisis linked to illicit drug trafficking across the northern border. A 40% transshipment tariff targets goods evading the measure. The measure declares a national emergency under IEEPA and criticizes Canada’s insufficient efforts to curb drug production and trafficking. While trade retaliation by Canada complicates relations, preferential tariffs under USMCA remain. Vanderbilt University may experience economic and operational impacts in procurement, international programs, research collaborations, and security due to these changes.
Key Actions: Monitor tariff impact on research and procurement; engage in opioid-related research funding; analyze economic effects; and provide legal expertise on compliance and trade policy implications.
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