White House confirms 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada: Tensions in trade relations

 

White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the 25% tariffs for Mexico and Canada will be implemented as planned. “I can confirm that tomorrow, the deadline that President Trump set several weeks ago remains. The President will implement 25% tariffs on Mexico, 25% to Canada y 10% to China “We are being forced to pay taxes on illegal fentanyl produced and distributed in our country,” Leavitt said. He also said that these taxes are a response to the problem of migrants entering the United States illegally. “These are promises made and kept by the president,” he said.

 

Leavitt declined to comment on whether the administration would reverse the tariffs if prices for imported goods rise as a result. “The president intends to ensure that he effectively implements the tariffs while reducing inflation and costs for the American people,” he added.

 

Last Thursday, Trump reaffirmed his plans before the press to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Saturday, February 1, although he was still considering whether or not to apply taxes on oil exported by these countries to United StatesIn this regard, Leavitt said he had no updated information on possible exceptions for Mexican and Canadian oil imports.

 

Canada is ready with a strong and immediate response

 

In response to the US announcement, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau He assured a “strong and immediate response.” He added: “I met with our Canada-U.S. Council today. We are working hard to prevent these tariffs; but if the United States moves forward, Canada is ready with a strong and immediate response.”

 

Canadian officials are also expected to meet with Tom Homan to seek a deal to avoid such tariffs by discussing issues such as immigration and fentanyl trafficking. A Canadian delegation has been present in Washington trying to prevent this imposition of 25%.

 

Mexico highlights the negative implications tariffs could have for the US economy

 

For her part, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexican president, commented: “We will wait with a cool head to make consequent decisions.” She said she was prepared with various plans depending on the course taken by the US, also recalling the potentially negative economic implications both inside and outside the country. Trade Agreement trilateral between these North American nations.

 

Sheinbaum reported that she will maintain a permanent dialogue table with the U.S. government to address migration issues, under principles such as shared responsibility, mutual trust, and collaboration, respect for Mexican sovereignty.

 

In this sense he added that Mexico and the United States must be seen as Business partners and not as competitors, since the two nations complement each other through Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC).

 

Mexico is the leading exporter of cars, computers, televisions and refrigerators, so the imposition of tariffs would affect millions of American families, particularly in California, Texas, Florida and Arizona.