Trump Delays Tariffs on Mexico and Canada Until April 2
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will take effect on April 2, pushing back the original March 4 deadline for the 25% duties.
Trump made the remarks during his first Cabinet meeting, confirming the one-month delay but offering no further explanation.
Unclear White House Position on Trade Demands
The White House did not immediately clarify Trump’s statement, leaving uncertainty about whether the delay signals a potential shift in trade policy or ongoing negotiations.
Earlier this month, the administration had announced March 4 as the start date for tariffs on Mexican imports and non-energy goods from Canada. However, despite Trump’s insistence on pushing ahead with the tariffs, he also referenced other executive orders related to his expanding trade agenda.
Canada Seeks Answers as Trump Floats Absorption Idea
In recent weeks, Canadian officials and provincial premiers have been visiting Washington in an effort to understand Trump’s demands and explore ways to prevent the tariffs from taking effect.
However, Trump has not outlined clear conditions for Canada to avoid the levies, continuing instead to criticize trade agreements and, at times, suggesting that Canada should become a U.S. state.
