President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday delaying his planned 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports until April 2. The decision came after discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and follows ongoing trade disputes with Canada.
Trump first announced the tariffs in February, citing concerns over border security, illegal migration, and the drug trade. He initially set the implementation date for March 4 but later granted a one-month exemption for the auto industry after meeting with executives from the Big Three automakers. The White House stated the delay was meant to minimize disruptions and encourage companies to shift production to the U.S.
On Thursday, Trump extended the tariff delay again, specifically for imports covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This trade deal, signed during Trump’s first term, governs 38% of Canadian and 49% of Mexican exports to the U.S., covering key industries such as agriculture and energy.
Trump cited a productive relationship with President Sheinbaum as the reason for delaying the Mexican tariffs. “I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for President Sheinbaum,” he wrote on Truth Social, adding that both nations are working to curb illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking.
However, Trump offered no such explanation for Canada, instead taking a swipe at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Despite the terrible job he’s done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister. So much fun to watch!” Trump wrote.
Tensions between the U.S. and Canada remain high. Trudeau reportedly had a heated call with Trump, during which the American president used profanity over Canada’s dairy protections. In response, Trudeau gave a tearful public address, vowing to stand firm against what he called an “unjustified trade war.”
Canada has paused a second wave of retaliatory tariffs on $125 billion in U.S. goods but is keeping tariffs on $30 billion worth of imports in place. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc expressed hope for a resolution, stating, “It’s a first step. It’s an important step, but we’re not at the end of the road.”
Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing reciprocal tariffs on April 2, stating that any country taxing American goods will face equal tariffs. He jokingly noted that he avoided implementing the policy on April 1 because he is a “very superstitious person” and did not want it associated with April Fool’s Day.
