Trump's tariffs showcase his extraordinary presidential power — and its limitations

Published On Mar 4, 2025, 11:05 AM

President Trump has imposed significant tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on imports from China—justifying these measures under national security claims related to drug trafficking and immigration. The immediate effect of these tariffs is a dramatic increase in import costs, which consumers are likely to feel through higher prices on goods. The overall trade impact is substantial, considering these countries accounted for approximately 40% of U.S. commerce in goods in 2024. Additionally, complexities arise from the attempt to enforce tariffs on lower-value shipments, such as those valued at $800 or less, which complicates tariff collection due to lacking infrastructure for such imports. This situation invites potential legal challenges regarding the authority and practicality of imposing these tariffs effectively.