President Donald Trump revealed his intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico starting March 4, following a brief pause earlier this month.
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Trump reiterated his firm stance on addressing the drug crisis affecting the USA. He emphasized that until significant progress is made, the proposed tariffs will come into effect as planned on March 4th, as communicated on Truth Social.
Additionally, Trump announced an additional 10 percent tariff on China, also effective from the same date.
The certainty of the president's decision remains uncertain. Despite his consistent rhetoric, including statements during a recent joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump hinted at a potential one-month delay for the tariffs, causing further ambiguity.
Trump's initial plan to impose tariffs on both Canada and Mexico earlier was halted abruptly after border negotiations with the leaders of both nations.
Prior to this, Trump had already enforced 10 percent tariffs on China due to missed deadlines, even after postponing 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada.
Subsequently, Beijing retaliated with tariffs on various U.S. imports, including coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, agricultural machinery, and specific vehicles. Trump justified these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, granting the president extensive control over economic transactions in declared emergencies.
Public opinion on tariffs remains divided. Recent polls indicate more opposition than support for tariffs on Canada and Mexico among Americans.
Canada's Industry Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, emphasized the country's efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, a key reason for Trump's tariff imposition.
Champagne highlighted Canada's intensified border security and collaboration with the U.S. to curb illegal immigration and drug flows. Bilateral discussions between Canadian and American parliamentarians focused on border security reinforcement.
The potential tariffs pose a significant threat to Quebec, a major supplier of aluminum to the U.S., comprising 60 percent of the country's total aluminum imports.