Washington, DC [US], March 4 (ANI): President Donald Trump has stated that there is “no room left” for Canada or Mexico to avoid the US tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday. When questioned about the possibility of a deal, Trump confirmed that the tariffs are scheduled to go into effect as planned.
“No room left for Mexico or for Canada. No, the tariffs are all set. They go into effect tomorrow,” Trump stated during his ‘investment announcement’ on Monday (local time).
Earlier, in the first week of February, Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on goods from China. On February 4, he temporarily paused the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, following new commitments from both countries to improve border security. This pause came after Trump spoke to his counterparts in Canada and Mexico.
Trump also shared a post on Truth Social, encouraging American farmers: “Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural products to be sold INSIDE of the United States. Tariffs will go on the external product on April 2nd. Have fun!”
The tariffs are being pushed forward after Trump criticized the illicit drug flow from the Canadian and Mexican borders, particularly fentanyl from China. Trump stated that more than 100,000 deaths occurred last year due to the distribution of dangerous drugs like fentanyl.
“Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels… We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA. Therefore, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will indeed go into effect, as scheduled,” Trump posted.
He also confirmed that China will face an additional 10% tariff on March 4, with reciprocal tariffs remaining in full force on April 2.
Trudeau announces retaliatory tariffs on US goods
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs on US goods, set to take effect at midnight on Tuesday. In a statement on March 3, Trudeau emphasized that Canada would stand firm against the US trade actions.
“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn,” Trudeau stated. “Should US tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures.” He also reiterated Canada’s commitment to defending its economy and workers.
Trudeau’s response follows Trump’s announcement that the tariffs on Canada and Mexico were set to take effect on March 4, with no room for negotiation.
Trudeau also condemned the US’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% on Canadian energy. “There is no justification for these actions,” he said. Canada plans to retaliate with 25% tariffs on USD 155 billion worth of US goods, starting with USD 30 billion worth immediately, and another USD 125 billion in 21 days.
He also warned that US tariffs would harm the American economy, driving up prices for groceries, gas, and cars, while potentially costing thousands of jobs. “Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship,” Trudeau stated.
Trudeau emphasized that less than 1% of fentanyl intercepted at the US border comes from Canada. He outlined Canada’s measures to combat fentanyl trafficking, including a $1.3 billion border plan and the appointment of a Fentanyl Czar. “Fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97% between December 2024 and January 2025,” Trudeau highlighted.
China retaliates with new tariffs on US imports
In response to Trump’s latest tariff move, China imposed tariffs of up to 15% on a range of US food imports, effective from March 4. The Chinese Ministry of Finance announced that chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton would be subject to a 15% tariff, with a 10% tariff placed on soybeans, pork, beef, and dairy products.
This follows the US imposition of a 10% tariff on all products imported from China, which took effect today. Additionally, China added several US companies, including drone maker Skydio, to its “unreliable entity or export control lists,” further escalating trade tensions.
China’s Customs Tariff Commission announced the retaliatory measures, and a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce described the US’s actions as “unilateralism and bullying.” The spokesperson urged the US to engage in consultations with China to resolve the situation.
