By Abiola Olawale
In a move that has sparked widespread concern across North America, United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that steep tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico will take effect this Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
This is as Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imports from the US two closest neighbours and trading partners, citing issues ranging from border security to economic imbalances.
Speaking from the White House, Trump declared: “It’s time to put America first. We’ve been taken advantage of for too long. These tariffs will bring jobs back and force Canada and Mexico to get serious about stopping the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants across our borders.”
The President also hinted at additional measures, including a potential increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, though details on that front remain unclear.
The New Diplomat reports that the latest announcement follows weeks of uncertainty, with Trump initially signalling a willingness to negotiate with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
However, talks appear to have stalled, with Trump stating there was “no room left” for a deal that would avert the tariffs. “They had their chance,” he added during a press briefing.
It was gathered that the tariffs begin at 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on Tuesday, the Trump administration confirmed in Federal Register notices. At that point, the US Customs and Border Protection agency will begin collecting 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, with a 10% duty for Canadian energy.
In response, Canada said it would retaliate with 25% tariffs on C$155 billion ($107 billion) worth of US goods if Trump’s tariffs went into effect, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday evening and urged the White House to reconsider.
Trudeau said Canadian tariffs will go into effect for C$30 billion of products at the same time as US tariffs on Tuesday, while duties on the remaining C$125 billion of US goods will apply in 21 days.
“Our tariffs will remain in place until the US trade action is withdrawn, and should US tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said in a statement.
