Trump pauses Mexico, Canada tariffs for 30 days

Postponements follows talks with countries’ leaders over their commitments to strengthen border security and curb drug trafficking

8:41 AM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR —President Donald Trump has paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days after speaking to the countries’ leaders.

He announced the one-month reprieve Monday night after phone calls with the US’ northern and southern neighbours on their respective commitments to improve border security and curb the flow of drugs into the US.

Trump had just over the weekend imposed immediate tariffs of 25% on all imports from Mexico and Canada, with a 10% exception for Canadian energy resources.

“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States,” Trump said in one post on Truth Social.

“These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country,” he added.

With Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump said Canada would implement its billion-dollar border plan with reinforcements using new hardware, technology and personnel “and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl”.

“I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!” Trump said in another post on Truth Social.

Sheinbaum also announced the pause in tariffs on X, and that Mexico will commit 10,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border to combat fentanyl smuggling. The US, in turn, had promised to stop gun smuggling into Mexico, she said.

Trudeau also took to X, stating Canada’s commitments to “appoint a Fentanyl Czar” and list cartels as terrorists.

He also pledged ”24/7 eyes on the border” and to launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organised crime, fentanyl and money laundering. 

“I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organised crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.

“Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together,” said Trudeau.

CNN, meanwhile, in fact-checking Trump’s claims about “massive” amounts of fentanyl being smuggled into the US from Canada, cited US Customs and Border Protection statistics that fentanyl seizures from the northern neighbour were only 0.2% of border confiscations made, compared with 96.6% seized at the Mexican border. – February 4, 2025

Topics

 

Popular

Influencer who recited Quran at Batu Caves accused of sexual misconduct in Netherlands

Abdellatif Ouisa has targeted recently converted, underage Muslim women, alleges Dutch publication

Petronas staff to be shown the door to make up losses from Petros deal?

Source claims national O&G firm is expected to see 30% revenue loss once agreed formula for natural gas distribution in Sarawak is implemented

‘Very hurtful’: Chief justice exposes legal failures driven by distorted Islamic views

Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat laments misinterpretations of faith that distort justice in high-profile rulings, cites Indira Gandhi and Nik Elin Zurina cases

Related