WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would delay new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by one month.
The decision marks the latest twist in the trade war that Trump started earlier this week when he imposed a 25% tariff on goods from both neighboring countries. The tariffs on USMCA-covered imports will now be on hold until April 2, aligning with the planned implementation of reciprocal tariffs on goods from all nations that impose fees on U.S. exports.
Under the USMCA, approximately 38% of U.S. imports from Canada and 50% of imports from Mexico are covered by the agreement. This means that a significant portion of goods from both countries will still face the 25% tariff, while goods falling under the USMCA will be exempt from the additional fees.
Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office to enforce the delay, with reporters present. Earlier, Trump took to social media to announce his agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to delay the tariffs for a month. “Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” Trump wrote in his statement.
Sheinbaum responded in a statement expressing gratitude for the delay, confirming that Mexico would not face tariffs on the products covered under the USMCA. She added that both countries would continue collaborating to combat the illegal entry of fentanyl into the U.S. and weapons trafficking into Mexico.
However, despite the delay for Canada, Trump escalated his criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, continuing his habit of referring to him as the “governor of Canada.” Trump has long been vocal in his frustration with Trudeau’s policies, and the tension seems to be intensifying.