Trump Confirms Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Set to Take Effect Next Week

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will proceed as scheduled on March 4. The tariffs, aimed at addressing issues related to fentanyl and migration, could impact trade relations significantly. The U.S. Commerce Secretary suggests Canada and Mexico may still avert these tariffs with successful actions against drug smuggling and migration.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico are scheduled to be implemented next week. He announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that these tariffs will take effect on March 4, including a 10% tariff on China. Trump continues to assert that the tariffs are connected to the influx of fentanyl and migrants from these neighboring countries.

Recent Canadian federal statistics indicate that less than one percent of fentanyl entering the United States originates from Canada. Additionally, data from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol revealed a significant decrease in fentanyl seizures at the Canada-U.S. border, with January’s figures reaching the lowest levels seen since 2022.

Trump outlined two distinct sets of tariffs. The first set, focused on fentanyl, will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, set to commence on March 4. The second set, named reciprocal tariffs, will affect all of America’s trading partners starting April 2, as reiterated by Trump in his social media statement.

During a recent cabinet meeting, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that Canada and Mexico still have the opportunity to avert the March 4 tariffs. Trump has previously threatened a broad 25% tariff on goods from these countries, which was initially planned for February 4 but postponed following discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

In response to the initial delay, both leaders introduced various measures to combat drug smuggling and migration. Trudeau announced Canada’s plans to appoint a fentanyl czar, classify cartels as terrorist organizations, and enhance border patrol efforts to curb illegal migration. Secretary Lutnick clarified that if Canada and Mexico can demonstrate satisfactory progress within thirty days, the president may consider extending further reprieve from the tariffs.

President Trump remains committed to implementing tariffs on Canada and Mexico as initially scheduled. The tariffs, driven by concerns over fentanyl and migration, are set to take effect on March 4, with a subsequent set slated for April 2. As tensions continue, both governments have been urged to take significant actions to mitigate the issues at hand. Success in these efforts may influence the potential for tariff reprieve.

Original Source: globalnews.ca