The Blubber

Trump Vows to Enforce 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico by March 4

President Donald Trump reaffirmed Thursday that his planned 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect on March 4, after being temporarily put on hold earlier this month.

When asked whether the two countries had done enough to address his concerns over drug trafficking, Trump responded bluntly:

“I don’t see [any progress] at all. No, not on drugs.”

$900 Billion in Trade at Risk Over Border Security

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on more than $900 billion worth of goods from Canada and Mexico, citing their failure to stop undocumented migrants and fentanyl from entering the United States.

Speaking before a White House meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump acknowledged that some progress had been made on migration issues but insisted that:

“The drugs continue to pour into our country, killing hundreds of thousands of people.”

In addition to the North American tariffs, Trump also confirmed that Chinese imports would face an additional 10% tariff on March 4, raising fentanyl-related duties on China to 20%.

Mixed Signals on Tariff Timeline

Despite Trump’s firm stance on Thursday, uncertainty remains over whether the tariffs will actually be enacted next week.

• On Monday, he made similar remarks during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.
• On Wednesday, however, he hinted at a possible one-month delay, adding to confusion.
• Earlier this month, he had originally planned to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico but postponed them after last-minute negotiations.

Trump Seeks to Clarify Tariff Enforcement

In an effort to settle speculation, Trump took to Truth Social to confirm the tariffs are set to begin as scheduled:

“We cannot allow this scourge [of drugs] to continue to harm the USA. Therefore, until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled.”

Canada and Mexico Respond

Both Canada and Mexico insist they are taking steps to address Trump’s concerns. Canadian officials also note that less than 1% of fentanyl entering the U.S. crosses the northern border.

Trump, however, dismissed that argument:

“[Canada] should be apprehending much more,” he said.
“They’re only apprehending 1 percent. You’re right about that. It’s a little more than that. But they should be apprehending much more because a lot comes through Canada. And as Mexico gets stronger in terms of the border, it goes up to Canada, and a lot of drugs are coming in through Canada. We can’t have that.”

Canadian Minister: Dealing With Trump Is “Frustrating”

Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, who was in Washington this week, expressed frustration over negotiations with the Trump administration:

“No matter who you meet at the highest level, what is quite clear is that the decision ultimately is made by the president — and it can change,” Miller said.
“It can be frustrating to feel you had a productive meeting, but then if that doesn’t give the outcome that you expect, then you feel like it was all for naught.”

With just days remaining before March 4, North American trade partners remain on edge, uncertain whether Trump’s tariff threats will hold—or shift once again.