A day before President Donald Trump’s tariffs are set to kick in, Mexico and Canada are prepared to respond. Trump is expected to announce the tariff levels on Tuesday for imports from both countries amid negotiations on border security and fentanyl opioids.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico had presented a strong case to avoid tariffs, but the final decision rests with Trump and the US government. Canadian Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson reiterated plans for retaliatory measures if tariffs are imposed.
The tariffs, set at 25 percent on all imports from Canada and Mexico, with 10 percent for Canadian energy, could harm the integrated North American economy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that the actual tariff levels might be less than initially proposed.
Trump’s trade policies have caused concerns about global trade disruptions. Despite the interconnected nature of the US, Mexico, and Canada economies, Trump has targeted these two neighbors. Both Mexico and Canada have taken steps to address Trump’s concerns on migration and drug trafficking.
Mexico deployed National Guard troops to the border and extradited drug cartel members to the US. Canada appointed a "fentanyl czar" to tackle opioid smuggling. Officials from both countries met with Trump’s cabinet members to discuss the situation.
Trump’s adviser, Peter Navarro, indicated that Trump is unlikely to back down from imposing tariffs despite potential economic consequences. The future of US-Canada-Mexico trade relations remains uncertain as all parties await Trump’s final decision on the tariffs.