Trudeau Unveils Tariff Agreement with Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the suspension of duties in light of an agreement reached between Mexico and the United States. Read Full Article at RT.com

Trudeau Unveils Tariff Agreement with Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that the US will defer the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports for a minimum of 30 days, following a conversation with US President Donald Trump.

This agreement was established after a phone call between the two leaders on Monday, where Canada pledged to enhance border security. The announcement comes in the wake of Trump’s Saturday decision to sign executive orders that impose tariffs—25% on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on Chinese imports—citing concerns related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

“Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together,” Trudeau stated in a post on X. He also mentioned that Canada is putting into action its $1.3 billion border plan, which includes reinforcing the border with new helicopters, technology, and personnel, improving coordination with American partners, and allocating more resources to combat the flow of fentanyl.

Trudeau noted that nearly 10,000 frontline personnel will be deployed to secure the US-Canada border as part of this plan. Additionally, Canada introduced new measures, such as the appointment of a fentanyl czar tasked with overseeing efforts to tackle the opioid crisis and curb fentanyl trafficking.

“We will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, and launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering,” Trudeau declared. “I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl, and we will be backing it with $200 million.”

In his response, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the preliminary agreement with Canada, saying in a recent post on Truth Social, “I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!”

Earlier in the day, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also reached a similar agreement with Trump, committing to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration. In exchange, the US agreed to bolster efforts to prevent weapon trafficking into Mexico.

Market volatility increased, with major stock indices and cryptocurrency values swinging in reaction to what was referred to as a “Trump tariff tantrum.” However, markets did regain some ground after the announcement of the deal with Mexico.

Trump has emphasized the role of tariffs as an important negotiating instrument in trade discussions, both during his previous term and in light of his reelection campaign in 2024.

While Trump has not yet provided a 30-day delay for the new 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, he indicated to reporters on Monday that discussions with China are expected “probably over the next 24 hours.”

On Sunday, Trump hinted that the EU might be the next target for US tariffs but did not provide a specific timeline. In response, EU leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reaffirmed their readiness to protect Europe’s interests and consider reciprocal actions if necessary.

Thomas Evans for TROIB News