U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which were set to take effect, will be paused for a 30-day period as negotiations for a final economic deal continue. This move comes in the wake of escalating trade tensions and aims to provide a window for diplomatic efforts.
\"Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like fentanyl,\" Trump stated in a post on the social media platform Truth Social. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing cross-border issues that impact both nations.
Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he \"just had a good call with President Trump,\" noting that \"proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together.\" Trudeau highlighted Canada's commitment to bolstering border security and combating the illegal flow of drugs.
\"Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan\u2014reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology, and personnel, enhancing coordination with our American partners, and increasing resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,\" Trudeau elaborated.
He further announced new measures, including appointing a \"fentanyl czar,\" designating cartels as terrorists, ensuring 24/7 surveillance at the border, and launching a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering. \"I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl, and we will be backing it with $200 million,\" Trudeau added.
President Trump expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating he is \"very pleased with this initial outcome.\" He confirmed that the tariffs announced on Saturday would be paused for 30 days to allow further negotiations.
On Saturday, Trump had signed executive orders imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10 percent tariff increase on imports from China. The initial announcement drew widespread opposition and immediate retaliations, with Canada imposing 25 percent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars ($107 billion) worth of American goods.
In a related development, Trump mentioned a \"very friendly conversation\" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier on Monday. The two leaders agreed to \"immediately pause\" the anticipated tariffs for one month and continue negotiations to resolve trade disputes and strengthen bilateral ties.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
