In a surprise move, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant reversal of his tariffs on Mexico, citing “respect” for Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
This announcement comes after the U.S. imposed 25 percent tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada earlier this week, escalating tensions between the nations.
Trump revealed on Tuesday that Mexico will be granted a one-month exemption from the tariffs, which were initially set to take effect immediately.
In exchange for this exemption, Mexico has agreed to meet Trump’s conditions on halting the flow of fentanyl through the southern border.
“After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement,” Trump said on Truth Social, referencing the trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The exemption will remain in effect until April 2.
The president expressed his appreciation for President Sheinbaum’s cooperation, emphasizing the two countries’ mutual efforts to address both illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl.
“Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” Trump said.
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While Mexico received this exemption, Trump took a jab at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting that Canada’s trade problems with the U.S. could be part of Trudeau’s strategy to secure another term.
“Believe it or not, 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,” Trump posted.
Additionally, Trump announced that he is considering rolling back tariffs on auto imports from both Mexico and Canada.
While the president noted that some tariffs will remain, the move indicates that Trump is looking to ease trade tensions in specific sectors, particularly the auto industry.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also teased that further tariff adjustments may be on the horizon, leaving open the possibility of similar exemptions for Canada in the near future.
