How will Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada impact Texans? Here’s what could break the bank
President Donald Trump is imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China.
Tariffs are a tax imposed by governments on the value of imported products, according to the International Trade Administration. Tariffs have been used by the U.S. government off and on since the late 1700s.
Trump’s executive order will put a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on goods from China.
The tariffs against China went into effect Tuesday, while Trump delayed Mexico and Canada’s tariffs for a month on Monday. The reason for the delay is because both North American countries agreed to further cooperate with the U.S. on border security, according to the Associated Press.
“President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country,” the White House said in a release Saturday.
The tariff plan is estimated to increase taxes by $1.1 trillion between 2025 and 2034, according to a Tax Foundation study. This in turn would grow the average tax increase per U.S. household to over $800 this year.
With the tariffs on China, how will this affect Texan’s wallets? Here’s what to know.
U.S. imports from Mexico
The U.S. imported over $45 billion worth of agricultural products from Mexico in 2023, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Fruits (5 million metric tons) and vegetables (6 million metric tons) were among the largest U.S. imports from Mexico. Distilled spirits were also up there at nearly 264 million liters.
In 2023, Mexico supplied 63% of America’s vegetable imports and 47% of U.S. fruit/nut imports, according to the USDA.
Here’s a few items that may be impacted by tariffs:
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Limes
- Beer
- Tequila
U.S. imports from Canada
The U.S. imported $429 billion worth of products from Canada in 2023, according to Trading Economics.
Mineral fuel/oil was the largest import, with an estimated value of $131 billion, followed by vehicles at $56 billion and machinery at $31 billion.
Canada also exports a large number of animal products, oilseed and grain to the U.S, according to the USDA.
Here’s a few items that may be impacted by tariffs:
- Poultry
- Animal products such as offal (the internal organs of a butchered animal)
- Maple syrup
- Alcohol
- Flour
- Plastics
- Oilseed
U.S. imports from China
The U.S. imported $448 billion worth of goods from China in 2023, according to Trading Economics.
Electrical components were among the largest imports at $126 billion, followed by machinery at $85 billion and toys/games at $33 billion.
Here’s a few items that may be impacted by tariffs:
- Toys
- Games
- Sporting equipment
- Home appliances
- Electronics
This story was originally published February 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM.
