US President Donald Trump has announced that Canada and Mexico will not be able to avoid US tariffs, which are set to take effect today (March 4). While addressing an investment announcement on Monday, Trump mentioned that there ‘’is no room left for negotiation, reinforcing his position on trade restrictions.
Tariffs set to commence today
Trump reinstated that the tariffs would be imposed as scheduled, remarking, ‘’No room left for Mexico or Canada. No, the tariffs you know, they are all set. They go into effect tomorrow.’’ His declaration follows his early statement made in February when he levied a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada along with a 10% tariff on goods from China.
Initially, Trump has allowed a temporary 30-day hold on tariffs for Mexico and Canada after claiming that he has secured new commitments from both countries to boost security at borders. However, despite those commitments, he has decided to go forward with the tariffs, citing ongoing issues taking place at the borders.
Tariff measures taken because of border issues
In a social media post addressed to American farmers, Trump wrote, ‘’To the Great Framers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural products to be sold INSIDE of the United States.’’ He also confirmed additional tariffs on imported goods which are scheduled to begin on April 2, as part of his border commitment to give priority to domestic production.
The major factor which is behind his decision is the continuous supply of illicit drugs across US borders. Trump has repeatedly accused Mexico and Canada of failing to restrict drug smuggling, particularly the trafficking of fentanyl, which he blames that it is supplied by China. ‘’Drugs are still flowing into our country from Mexico and Canada at a very high price and unacceptable levels, ‘’ he wrote, pledging to take action.
The imposition of these tariffs is part of his broader economic and security policies, with China also facing an additional 10 % tariff from March 4. Trump asserted that the reciprocal tariff measures are all set to commence from April 2 and will remain unchanged, Trump concluded his post with, ‘’GOD BLESS AMERICA!’’
(With inputs from ANI)
