U.S. President Donald Trump plans to introduce new tariffs against Mexico and Canada. According to sources from the Wall Street Journal, Mexico has not yet taken sufficient steps to prevent these measures.
According to a senior U.S. official, Mexico has already made attempts to avoid new tariffs, including increasing deportations, implementing policies that encourage citizens to stay in Mexico, and deploying forces along the northern border. However, this may not be enough.
Trump is determined to carry out his threats and expects cooperation from Mexico and Canada with U.S. authorities. According to a Canadian official, the Canadian government has tried to establish contact with the Trump administration for negotiations. However, many key appointments in Trump’s cabinet, such as the candidate for Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, have not yet been confirmed. Canada is prepared to take retaliatory measures if new tariffs are imposed.
Meanwhile, a Mexican official expressed frustration with the inability to negotiate trade issues with the Trump administration. Specifically, Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, held phone talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but trade issues were not discussed.
Trump stated that starting from February 1, additional tariffs of 25% could be imposed on Canada and Mexico if issues related to illegal immigration and the flow of synthetic opioids are not resolved. Canada may also receive tax breaks if it becomes the 51st U.S. state.
