In a significant development for North American trade relations, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico will be paused for a 30-day period. The decision comes as negotiations intensify to finalize economic deals 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. The move signals a potential easing of tensions that escalated over the weekend when the U.S. imposed additional tariffs, drawing widespread opposition and immediate retaliations.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the temporary halt in tariffs, noting in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he had a \"good call with President Trump.\" Trudeau emphasized that the proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while both nations work collaboratively on resolving trade issues and enhancing border security.
\"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,\" Trudeau said. He added that nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are dedicated to protecting the border.
In addition to bolstering border security, Canada is committing to appoint a fentanyl czar, listing cartels as terrorists, ensuring 24/7 border surveillance, 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 continued.
President Trump expressed satisfaction with the initial outcomes of the negotiations. \"I am very pleased with this initial outcome,\" he remarked, indicating that the tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused to allow for further discussions.
On Saturday, Trump had signed executive orders imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China, drawing widespread opposition and immediate retaliations. The tariff order on Canada included a 25-percent tariff on all imports and a 10-percent tariff on energy products. In swift retaliation, Canada announced 25 percent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars ($107 billion) worth of American goods.
Earlier on Monday, President Trump also reported a \"very friendly conversation\" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Both leaders agreed to \"immediately pause\" the anticipated tariffs for one month and to continue negotiations aimed at resolving trade disputes and strengthening cooperation on border security.
The pause in tariffs opens a window for diplomatic efforts to address trade imbalances and security concerns among the North American neighbors. As negotiations proceed, businesses and investors in all three countries will be closely monitoring developments that could significantly impact economic relations in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
