President Trump announced that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will proceed as planned on March 4 and will also affect China. He linked these tariffs to drug trafficking issues. Despite claims, data shows minimal fentanyl enters the U.S. from Canada, raising questions about the tariffs’ necessity. A subsequent set of tariffs is scheduled for April 2, demanding compliance from Canada and Mexico to avoid implementation.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that the planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico will be enforced as scheduled, starting March 4. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “The proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled.” He also indicated that China would face an additional 10% tariff on the same date.
The President linked these tariffs to the issues of fentanyl trafficking and migration from Canada and Mexico into the U.S. However, data from Canadian authorities reveals that less than one percent of fentanyl entering the U.S. originates from Canada. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that fentanyl seizures at the Canada-U.S. border fell to their lowest levels since 2022, recording a significant drop from the previous year.
Trump’s announcement included two distinct categories of tariffs. The first comprises 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico related to the fentanyl issue, effective March 4. The second category involves reciprocal tariffs targeting all of America’s trading partners and is scheduled to commence on April 2, reinforcing his stance on trade.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently indicated that Canada and Mexico still have an opportunity to circumvent the tariffs slated for March 4. Trump previously delayed the implementation of these tariffs, initially set for February 4, after discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to undertake measures regarding drug smuggling and migration.
The President reiterated the importance of the subsequent 30-day timeline, stating, “At the end of that 30 days, they have to prove to the president that they’ve satisfied him to that regard.” This is necessary to avoid the imposition of tariffs if the countries are able to demonstrate that they have indeed addressed the concerns raised by the U.S. government.
In summary, President Trump has reaffirmed the immediate implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico beginning March 4, alongside additional tariffs on China. He connects these tariffs to fentanyl trafficking and migration, despite conflicting data regarding fentanyl sources. The progression of these tariffs reflects ongoing trade negotiations and the need for Canada and Mexico to take adequate measures to address U.S. concerns.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
