WASHINGTON—As reported by Reuters, yesterday President Trump confirmed that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will proceed as scheduled regardless of each international locations’ efforts to strengthen border safety and fight fentanyl trafficking forward of the March 4 deadline.
At a joint information convention with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump acknowledged the tariffs would transfer ahead as deliberate, although he didn’t point out the deadline instantly. The 25% tariffs, which may affect over $918 billion in commerce—together with the auto sector—may considerably disrupt the North American economic system.
Canada and Mexico had beforehand secured a one-month delay by tightening border controls, however specialists consider any additional postponement will rely on clear proof of continued progress. In the meantime, the White Home and commerce officers haven’t commented on negotiations. Along with the Canada-Mexico tariffs, Trump has escalated commerce measures by growing metal and aluminum tariffs to 25% and threatening new duties on autos, prescribed drugs, and semiconductors. He has additionally hinted at reopening negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Settlement (USMCA) forward of its 2026 deadline, citing issues over auto imports.
Mexico has responded by deploying 10,000 Nationwide Guard troops to its northern border and interesting in commerce discussions with U.S. officers. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken comparable measures, appointing a fentanyl czar, reclassifying drug cartels as terrorist teams, and growing border surveillance. Whereas Trudeau has threatened retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion value of U.S. items, he has additionally dedicated to stopping U.S. tariffs from taking impact.
