President Trump Affirmed Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Set for March 4

President Trump confirmed that tariffs against Canada and Mexico will proceed on March 4, with a 25% tariff related to fentanyl and a planned reciprocal tariff on other trading partners starting April 2. Despite evidence showing low fentanyl flow from Canada, Trump insists these tariffs are necessary due to migration and drug trafficking concerns.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the anticipated tariffs against Canada and Mexico will proceed as planned, scheduled to take effect on March 4. He announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that these tariffs also encompass an additional 10% levy on imports from China, highlighting his administration’s continued focus on trade issues.

Trump emphasized his position that these tariffs are directly tied to concerns regarding the influx of fentanyl and migrants entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. However, Canadian federal data indicates that less than 1% of fentanyl seized in the U.S. originates from Canada, calling into question the rationale for the proposed tariffs.

According to figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seizures of fentanyl at the Canada-U.S. border reached their lowest levels since 2022 in January, totaling 467 kilograms (approximately 1,029 pounds). This marks a significant decrease from the 914 kilograms (2,016 pounds) documented in January of the previous year.

In his announcement, Trump detailed two distinct sets of tariffs. The first comprises 25% tariffs specifically targeting Canada and Mexico related to fentanyl, set to begin on March 4. The second involves reciprocal tariffs on various U.S. trading partners, which Trump affirmed will also commence on April 2.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned that there remains an opportunity for Canada and Mexico to avert the March 4 tariffs before their implementation. Trump has previously threatened a comprehensive 25% tariff on goods from these two major trade partners but opted to delay its initiation following discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum last month.

During a 30-day pause, Trudeau and Sheinbaum committed to implementing measures against drug trafficking and managing migration. These included appointing a fentanyl czar, designating cartels as terrorist organizations, and enhancing border control efforts. Lutnick stated, “At the end of that 30 days, they have to prove to the president that they’ve satisfied him to that regard. If they have, he’ll give them a pause or he won’t.”

In summary, President Trump’s firm stance on tariffs against Canada and Mexico underscores the administration’s focus on border security and drug trafficking concerns. Despite low fentanyl flows from Canada, he insists on linking tariffs to these issues. Canada and Mexico are under pressure to demonstrate progress in their actions within the given timeframe to potentially avoid the tariffs set for March 4.

Original Source: globalnews.ca

About Carmen Mendez

Carmen Mendez is an engaging editor and political journalist with extensive experience. After completing her degree in journalism at Yale University, she worked her way up through the ranks at various major news organizations, holding positions from staff writer to editor. Carmen is skilled at uncovering the nuances of complex political scenarios and is an advocate for transparent journalism.

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