By KhabarAsia News Team
In a significant move aimed at easing escalating trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday a 30-day pause on the tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico. The decision comes as both nations engage in negotiations to forge a final economic deal and enhance border security cooperation.
\"The tariffs on Canada announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period,\" Trump stated in a post on the social media platform Truth Social. \"Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like fentanyl.\"
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the development in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. \"Just had a good call with President Trump,\" Trudeau wrote. \"Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together.\"
Trudeau emphasized Canada's commitment to bolstering border security and combating the fentanyl crisis. \"Canada is implementing our \$1.3 billion border plan – reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology, and personnel, enhancing coordination with our American partners, and increasing resources to stop the flow of fentanyl,\" he said. \"Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.\"
The Prime Minister outlined additional 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 optimism about the ongoing discussions. \"I am very pleased with this initial outcome,\" he remarked. \"The tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for 30 days to allow further negotiations.\"
The tariffs, initially imposed via executive orders signed by Trump on Saturday, included an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China. These measures drew widespread opposition and prompted immediate retaliatory actions.
Canada responded by imposing 25 percent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars (approximately \$107 billion) worth of American goods. The tariff order on Canada included a 25-percent tariff on all imports and a 10-percent tariff on energy products.
In related developments, President Trump mentioned a \"very friendly conversation\" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The two leaders agreed to \"immediately pause\" the anticipated tariffs for one month and continue negotiations to address shared concerns.
The temporary suspension of tariffs signals a potential thaw in trade relations among the North American neighbors, with a focus on collaborative efforts to improve border security and tackle the pressing issue of fentanyl trafficking.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
