President Trump announced that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will take effect on March 4 as initially scheduled. He cited the flow of fentanyl and migrants into the U.S. as justification for these tariffs. Despite data showing minimal fentanyl imports from Canada, the administration stands firm on these measures, with additional tariffs planned for April 2.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the previously threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico would proceed as planned, set to take effect next week. He stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the proposed tariffs would be implemented on March 4 and also mentioned a 10% tariff on China effective the same day.
Trump linked these tariffs to issues with fentanyl and unauthorized migrants entering the U.S., despite Canadian data indicating that less than one percent of fentanyl in the U.S. originates from Canada. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported a significant decrease in fentanyl seizures at the Canada-U.S. border in January, marking the lowest figures since 2022.
The tariffs will consist of two categories: a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico related to fentanyl, effective March 4, and a second phase of reciprocal tariffs aimed at all American trading partners set for April 2. Trump emphasized that the April 2 tariffs would remain in place regardless of discussions.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had previously indicated that Canada and Mexico might still find ways to avert the March 4 tariffs. Trump had postponed the original tariffs from February 4 after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, during which commitments were made to address drug smuggling and migration issues.
The measures announced by Trudeau include designating a fentanyl czar, classifying cartels as terrorist organizations, and ramping up border patrols to better control migration. Lutnick remarked that the next steps depend on Canada and Mexico demonstrating sufficient measures to satisfy President Trump within the one-month timeframe.
In summary, President Trump has reaffirmed his intention to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting March 4, specifically targeting issues related to fentanyl and immigration. While these tariffs were previously delayed, discussions between U.S. officials and leaders from Canada and Mexico may still influence their implementation. Additionally, a second set of tariffs will impact all U.S. trading partners beginning on April 2 unless circumstances change in the interim.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
