In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico will be paused for a 30-day period. This pause aims to assess whether a final economic deal can be structured with both neighboring countries.
\"Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like fentanyl,\" President Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the development, posting on X that 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 outlined Canada's commitments, including implementing a \$1.3 billion border plan to reinforce security with new helicopters, technology, and personnel. \"Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,\" he said.
Additionally, Canada will appoint a fentanyl czar, list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 surveillance at the border, and launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering. Trudeau added, \"I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl, and we will be backing it with \$200 million.\"
President Trump expressed satisfaction with these initial steps, noting that the tariffs announced on Saturday would be paused for 30 days to facilitate further discussions.
Over the weekend, Trump had signed executive orders imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10-percent tariff increase on imports from China, drawing widespread opposition and immediate retaliatory actions.
The tariff order on Canada included a 25-percent tariff on all imports and a 10-percent tariff on energy products. In response, Canada imposed 25 percent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars (approximately \$107 billion) worth of American goods.
Earlier on Monday, President Trump mentioned having a \"very friendly conversation\" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Both leaders agreed to \"immediately pause\" the anticipated tariffs for one month and continue negotiations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
