Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that his proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the United States’ top trading partners, remain on track for next month. Speaking at a press conference alongside visiting French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump emphasized that his broader plan for reciprocal tariffs on other nations will also proceed as scheduled.
“We’re moving quickly with the tariffs—it’s all on time,”
Trump stated. “For too long, we’ve been unfairly treated by many countries, not just Canada and Mexico, and taken advantage of.” He reiterated, “The tariffs are going ahead as planned, right on schedule.”
The announcement reaffirms Trump’s tough tariff stance, despite efforts by Canada and Mexico to bolster border security, as reported by Reuters. Economists warn that these tariffs could exacerbate inflation and negatively impact North America’s economy.
Trump further argued that global trade partners have exploited the U.S. with high duties, a situation he attributes to weak American leadership rather than the countries themselves. “I don’t blame them—I blame us for letting it happen,” he said. “With these tariffs, we’ll regain ground. It’s about reciprocity—if they charge us, we charge them. It’s simple, and it’ll make our country strong and prosperous again.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo expressed cautious optimism about reaching an agreement with the U.S. before the March 4 deadline. Quoted by the Associated Press (AP) prior to Trump’s remarks, she hinted at the possibility of direct talks with Trump, saying, “We’re close to finalizing a deal. There’s communication on all fronts, and I think we can get it done by Friday if needed.”
Trump’s Tariff Plan
Trump’s plan includes 25% tariffs on all imports from Mexico and Canada, originally slated for February but delayed by a month to March 4. According to AP, these measures aim to pressure both nations into curbing illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. Trump has also singled out India as a high-tariff nation, signaling plans for reciprocal duties there too.
Beyond Canada and Mexico, Trump has escalated his tariff threats since proposing a 10% duty on Chinese imports. His latest moves include hiking steel and aluminum tariffs to a uniform 25%, eliminating previous exemptions for Canada and Mexico—the U.S.’s primary suppliers of these metals. These increases, which also apply to numerous steel-derived products, are set to begin March 12, just a week after the border tariffs take effect, potentially complicating ongoing border talks.