After Mexico, Canada buys itself a reprieve from Trump’s tariff hikes
Tariff hikes on Canada have been delayed by a month after it secured a brief reprieve by promising to allocate $1.3 billion towards measures to curb the flow of drugs and undocumented migrants into the US through the northern border.
Mexico had previously secured a similar reprieve by committing 10,000 troops to its border with the US.
Additional tariffs of 25 percent on imports from Mexico and Canada were scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, aimed at addressing the flow of undocumented migrants and drugs into the US. A lower 10 percent tariff hike was also set for China, but no talks had been held ahead of its implementation.
The delay in tariffs for Canada and the US was announced via social media posts by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump following their second conversation on Monday afternoon. Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country.”
Trump added that Canada would implement its $1.3 billion border plan, which includes reinforcing the border with new helicopters, technology, and personnel, enhancing coordination with US partners, and increasing resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.
Trump continued, “Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are, and will be, working on protecting the Border. In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 surveillance on the Border, launch a Canada-US Joint Strike Force to combat organised crime, fentanyl, and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organised crime and fentanyl, and we will be backing it with $200 million.”
Trump concluded, “As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!”
Earlier on Monday, Trump announced a similar 30-day reprieve for the tariff hike on Mexico, indicating a potential “deal” in the works.
“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, shortly after the Mexican leader confirmed the delay in a post on X.
Trump added, “It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into our Country. We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one-month period.”
Negotiations with Mexico will be held during this one-month delay, led on the US side by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
“I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a ‘deal’ between our two countries,” Trump concluded.
