Trump Confirms 25% Tariffs on Mexican, Canadian Goods Set for March 4; Adds 10% Tariff on China
President cites ongoing drug influx as justification for trade penalties
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect on March 4, citing continued drug trafficking concerns. Additionally, Trump stated he would impose an extra 10% tariff on Chinese imports on the same date, on top of the 10% tariff he enacted on February 4.
Trump justified the decision by pointing to the persistent flow of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.
“We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA. Therefore, until it stops or is seriously limited, the proposed tariffs scheduled to go into effect on March 4 will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Clarifying Confusion Over Tariff Deadlines
The announcement resolved uncertainty surrounding the timeline for tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods. During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump suggested he might push the deadline to April 4, leading to speculation about a delay.
However, officials later clarified that the April 4 deadline applied to Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs”—a separate measure aimed at adjusting U.S. import duties to match foreign tariffs and tax policies. According to the White House, this policy particularly targets Europe’s value-added tax system, which Trump’s trade team views as an unfair trade barrier.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNBC that a comprehensive tariff study is due by April 1, after which Trump will decide whether to expand tariffs further.
Canada and Mexico Seek to Avert Tariffs
With the looming tariffs threatening North American trade, Mexican and Canadian officials are scrambling to negotiate with Washington.
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the economic blow.
In Canada, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty defended his country’s efforts to tighten border security and combat drug smuggling.
“The evidence is irrefutable—progress is being made,” McGuinty told reporters in Washington ahead of talks with U.S. officials.
The Canada Border Services Agency also announced a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal fentanyl shipmentsand other synthetic drugs moving in and out of the country.
China Calls for Trade Talks
As tensions escalate, China urged the U.S. to resolve trade disputes through diplomacy. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Beijing called for equal dialogue and consultation to address economic concerns.
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