President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico once a 30-day delay expires on March 4.
“The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule,” Trump stated at a White House press conference on February 24, according to the Associated Press.
Trump had initially postponed the tariffs earlier in February after Canada committed to a C$1.3 billion border security initiative and Mexico pledged to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to its southern border. Despite these agreements, Trump reiterated his position that the U.S. has been “taken advantage” of by its neighbors, arguing that the tariffs will allow the U.S. to regain lost economic ground.
Uncertainty Surrounds Negotiations
Ahead of Trump’s latest comments, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hope that a resolution could be reached before the deadline. “On all of the issues, there is communication, and what we need is to complete this agreement,” she said. “I believe we’re in a place to do it.”
While it remains to be seen whether last-minute negotiations will prevent the tariffs, analysts caution that a breakdown in talks could have significant trade implications. The U.S. depends on Canada and Mexico for key imports such as crude oil, lumber, and auto parts. Conflict resolution expert Dr. Jeremy Pollack suggested that successful negotiations often hinge on allowing both sides to preserve their standing while avoiding costly consequences. The outcome of these discussions will shape supply chain strategies and trade flows across North America.
