Ted Cruz Raises Concerns Over Trump’s Tariff Threats Against Mexico and Canada

News
Addie Andrus
March 1, 2025
9 minutes read

(AP/J. Scott Applewhite/Reuters/Rick Wilking)

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s border policies as his threats of imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada draw closer to reality. The potential tariffs could pose a significant challenge to the Texas economy, Cruz warned.

Texas has long maintained a strong trade relationship with both Canada and Mexico, with Mexico ranking as the state’s top trading partner for over a decade—something Cruz acknowledges. “No state has paid the price more for the invasion over the last four years than Texas,” said Cruz, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

“That being said, trade with Mexico and Canada is enormously important to the Texas economy, and so I’m hopeful we will not see the tariffs go into effect — because Mexico and Canada will be actively assisting in securing the border.” Despite his economic concerns, Cruz reaffirmed his support for Trump’s immigration agenda, which aims to curb illegal border crossings and the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

“The President uses tariffs for multiple purposes, one of them is as an incentive to cause other nations to work with the United States and advance our interests,” Cruz said. “With Mexico and Canada, the president has explicitly conditioned those tariffs on those two nations actively assisting and securing the border. That is incredibly important.”

US Politician Ted Cruz — Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, asks a question during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Feb. 9. Mariam Zuhaib/NPR

Cruz’s growing anxiety follows Trump’s renewed push for a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Trump has now stated that the tariffs will take effect next week, despite both countries making efforts to strengthen border security and curb the fentanyl crisis.

Politico reported that Trump’s shifting stance has “created confusion on the timeline for the tariffs,” as they were initially scheduled to be enforced on February 4. Concerns over the tariffs extend beyond Cruz. Trade and industry experts have voiced warnings that these measures could drive up costs in the U.S., disrupting North America’s deeply integrated economy.

The movement of essential goods, from auto parts to produce and energy, could be significantly impacted. The tariffs also risk triggering a trade war. Both Canada and Mexico have already developed lists of U.S. goods they may target with retaliatory tariffs should Trump’s proposed duties take effect, Politico noted. With the deadline approaching, Texas businesses and lawmakers remain on edge, awaiting the final decision on the controversial trade policies.