Trump Confirms Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Set for March 4

President Trump has confirmed that tariffs against Canada and Mexico will take effect on March 4, alongside an additional tariff on China. This decision is tied to the ongoing issues of fentanyl trafficking and immigration. Recent data shows a decrease in fentanyl seizures, yet the administration is pushing forward with tariff plans unless Canada and Mexico can demonstrate sufficient action against these challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will proceed with the previously threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on March 4. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he confirmed that an additional 10% tariff will also be imposed on China on that date. Trump continues to assert that these tariffs are connected to the issues of fentanyl trafficking and immigration from both neighboring countries.

Recent statistics indicate that less than one percent of the fentanyl smuggled into 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, with January 2023 figures showing 467 kilograms confiscated, down from 914 kilograms in January 2022, marking the lowest level since January 2022.

President Trump outlined two specific sets of tariffs in his announcement. The first involves a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico related to fentanyl, effective March 4. The second set of tariffs, termed reciprocal tariffs, is scheduled to be implemented on April 2, targeting all trading partners that impose tariffs against the U.S. Trump assured that the April tariffs will remain enforceable as planned.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned in a cabinet meeting that Canada and Mexico may still have an opportunity to avert the March 4 tariffs. Trump has been contemplating a broad 25% tariff on all goods from these two significant trading partners, initially expected to be effective on February 4. After discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump temporarily delayed their implementation for one month.

Following the 30-day pause, Trudeau and Sheinbaum committed to taking action against drug trafficking and immigration issues. Trudeau announced Canada’s plans to appoint a fentanyl czar, classify cartels as terrorist entities, and enhance border surveillance to combat illegal immigration. Lutnick emphasized that Canada and Mexico must demonstrate sufficient progress by the end of this period to avoid the tariffs.

In summary, President Trump’s planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico are confirmed to commence on March 4, with added measures against China. The proposed tariffs are positioned as a solution for addressing fentanyl trafficking and immigration challenges. Despite recent data showing a decline in fentanyl seizures from Canada, the U.S. administration maintains a firm stance on the implementation of these tariffs unless demonstrated progress is made by the involved countries.

Original Source: globalnews.ca