Former US President Donald Trump has declared that there is “no room left” for Canada or Mexico to avoid the US tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday, March 4.
When asked about the possibility of a last-minute deal, Trump made it clear that the tariffs would proceed as planned. “No room left for Mexico or for Canada. No, the tariffs, you know, they’re all set. They go into effect tomorrow,” he stated during an investment announcement on Monday (local time).
In early February, Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside an additional 10 percent tariff on goods from China. However, on February 4, he temporarily paused the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days after reportedly securing new commitments from both countries to enhance border security. Despite the pause, Trump now insists the tariffs will move forward.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump addressed American farmers, urging them to prepare for increased domestic demand. “To the Great Farmers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE of the United States. Tariffs will go on the external product on April 2nd. Have fun!” he wrote.
Citing ongoing concerns about drug smuggling across the borders of Canada and Mexico, Trump justified the imposition of tariffs. He claimed that illicit drugs, including fentanyl, continue to enter the US at “very high and unacceptable levels,” with a significant portion of these substances originating from China.
“Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels. A large percentage of these drugs, much of them in the form of fentanyl, are made in, and supplied by, China. More than 100,000 people died last year due to the distribution of these dangerous and highly addictive poisons,” Trump posted in February.
He vowed to curb this issue through tariffs until the flow of drugs is either stopped or significantly reduced. “Millions of people have died over the last two decades. The families of the victims are devastated and, in many instances, virtually destroyed. We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA, and 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 added.
Additionally, Trump confirmed that an extra 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods will also take effect on March 4. He affirmed that the reciprocal tariffs scheduled for April 2 will remain in place.
“China will likewise be charged an additional 10 percent tariff on that date. The April Second Reciprocal Tariff date will remain in full force and effect. Thank you for your attention to this matter. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” Trump concluded.
