NEWS GLEAMS | U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China; Refined King County Wastewater Fertilizes Crops and Forests

On the morning of Saturday, Feb. 1, President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on goods imported to the United States from some of its prime trading partners, including 25% on Mexico, 25% on Canada, and an additional 10% on China. Lower 10% tariffs would be placed on energy from Canada, related to imports of oil, natural gas, and electricity. Trump stated that the tariffs are to "protect" Americans, citing migrants and fentanyl entering the U.S. as primary reasons.

On Monday morning, following a conversation between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Trump, the two reached a temporary agreement that will pause tariffs on both sides. Sheinbaum had initially posted on X that Mexico could impose its own retaliatory tariffs, "which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico's interests." Instead, Sheinbaum will now send 10,000 federal troops to the southern border of the U.S. to help counter drug trafficking and migration. Trump also posted on social media that he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this morning and will continue a conversation with him later today.

Trump's initial tariff announcements led to dips in the stock market on Monday morning, but they have since rebounded following announcements of the pause between Mexico and the U.S.

The U.S. relies on Mexico and Canada as top suppliers of staple goods. Mexico accounts for 23% of all goods imported to the U.S., while Canada accounts for 19%. Mexico is the top trade partner in fruits and vegetables to the U.S., supplying $10.8 billion in fruits and $9.6 billion in vegetables annually. Canada is the top trading partner with $8.6 billion in grains, $6.4 billion in livestock and meats, and $692 million in poultry. Tariffs in such industries could potentially result in higher grocery prices for U.S. consumers.

Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% on goods imported to Canada from the U.S., which go into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Speaking to his own citizens, Trudeau posted on X, "Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada. Check the labels. Let's do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada."

China has also announced countermeasures, though it has not listed specifics. It has encouraged the U.S. to "engage in frank dialogue and strengthen cooperation," stating that it will file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to counter the "wrongful practices of the U.S." China took similar actions with the WTO after the European Union imposed 45% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

Through a wastewater treatment project called Loop, King County has been expanding its program to turn wastewater into a fertilizer alternative. The process to produce Loop cleans, recycles, and transforms wastewater into biosolids that are then used to support soil growth on farms and forests. The biosolids create a natural soil builder that improves soil structure and serves as a sponge, which helps retain water, increase nutrients, and prevent water runoffs that would pollute rivers and streams.

Every year, King County's South Plant in Renton generates about 60,000 tons of recycled fertilizer that is then dispersed to farms and forests statewide. The process is an improvement upon decades prior when wastewater flowed directly into Lake Washington or Lake Union and disturbed natural habitats.

Stormwater and sewer water is initially separated for liquid and solids, which are eventually refined to create fertilizer from the solids and recycled water from the liquids. The biosolids for fertilizer are divided into two classes: Class B, which is treated to kill 99% of potential pathogens and is suitable for stimulating growth for above-ground crops, such as in farm situations; and Class A, which are treated even further through heat and composting, which kill all pathogens and are suitable for use in backyard gardens.

However, wastewater treatment plants are not presently tested for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which leads to potential questions about their presence in the Loop process. PFAS have been nicknamed "forever chemicals" because of their toxicity, ability to contaminate clean water, and difficulty to remove from environmental systems. Their proliferation has come from widespread use of the Teflon-like, water-resistant material in commercial objects, such as nonstick pots and pans, as well as from products such as firefighting foams. As far back as 1989, manufacturing companies, such as 3M and DuPont, haveundertaken internal studies and found that PFAS are "completely resistant to biodegradation."

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is hosting a number of planning sessions and informational lessons for those who are worried about new immigration policies and potential deportations.

PARTICIPATORY MEETINGS

Webinar With Legal Counsel for Youth and Children
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
Hosted virtually on Zoom

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC) and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project will be hosting trainings centered around their Immigrant Safety Plan, which will help community members understand how to care for children in the event that a child's caretaker is detained or deported.

NWIRP Immigration 101 for Service Providers: Latest Immigration Updates
Monday, Feb. 24, 12–1:30 p.m.
Hosted virtually on Zoom, with computer-generated captions in English and other languages available

Focuses on the updates and impacts from the Trump administration.

Virtual Parenting Plan and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Classification Training for Attorneys
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 12–2 p.m.
Hosted virtually on Zoom

A training session for attorneys who are new to family law or immigration law and who may be interested in pro-bono parenting plan cases related to care planning in the event of parental deportations. The training is also beneficial for immigration attorneys who work within state courts or provide technical assistance to pro-bono attorneys. NWIRP is in the process of seeking Continuing Legal Education (CLE) certification for the training.

NWIRP Know Your Rights Training
Thursday, Feb. 27, 5–6:30 p.m.
Hosted virtually on Zoom, with computer-generated captions in English and other languages available

Covers updates on recent immigration-related changes.

PRE-RECORDED TRAININGS

Immigration Safety Plan Training
Pre-recorded session, hosted on Vimeo, that shares details from NWIRP and LCYC about how to build an immigration safety plan.

Immigrant Justice Coalition Press Conference
Pre-recorded session, hosted on Vimeo, that shares the community commitment of multiple local immigrant rights groups.

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