Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday that President Trump’s imposition of tariffs against the nation’s biggest trading partners “is designed to get these countries to change their behavior.”

The South Carolina Republican said Mexico and China likely could avoid the new 25% and 10% tariffs, respectively, on their goods if they address the Trump administration’s border concerns.

“If you want tariffs to go away Mexico and China, stop poisoning Americans, stop sending fentanyl into America to kill Americans,” Mr. Graham said on “Fox News Sunday.” “If you want to have a better relationship, Mexico, with the United States, do your part on the other side of the border.”

Citing his concerns over border security, Mr. Trump announced plans Saturday to slap 25% tariffs on most goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese imports.

The move renewed the concerns of economists and free traders who say the added expense will force Americans to pay higher prices on everything from cars to gas.

Meanwhile, Canada, Mexico, and China announced retaliatory tariffs.

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Mr. Graham credited the Canadian government for its investments to secure the northern border.

“I am glad we are pushing back against China and Mexico when it comes to fentanyl poisoning of America,” he said. “I am glad we are putting everybody on notice that the old way of doing business is over.”

“These tariffs are designed to bring about change, and If the change comes, I think the tariffs probably go away,” he said.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.