President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will proceed as planned.
Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump made it clear that the temporary pause on tariffs—initially granted to allow both countries time to step up border security efforts—was nearing its end.
“We’re on time with the tariffs, and it seems like that’s moving along very rapidly,” Trump stated on Feb. 24. “We’ve been mistreated very badly by many countries, not just Canada and Mexico. We’ve been taken advantage of.”
Trump’s tariff policy, which ended decades of duty-free trade under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), imposes a 25% duty on all Canadian and Mexican imports, with an additional 10% on Canadian energy resources. His administration has linked these measures to stopping the illegal fentanyl trade, blaming Mexico and China for their roles in the crisis.
A separate 10% tariff has also been placed on imports from China due to its production of fentanyl-related chemicals.
Initially, Mexico and Canada were given a 30-day reprieve after both nations made commitments to bolster border security.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by deploying 10,000 troops to the U.S. border.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised tougher enforcement, including the appointment of a “fentanyl czar” and the designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. Canada has also allocated C$1.3 billion to border security efforts.
Despite these measures, Trump has signaled that the pause is expiring, stating that the tariffs are proceeding “on time, on schedule.” He emphasized that trade relations with Canada and Mexico have long been unfair to the United States, adding, “We want reciprocity.”
The move has drawn sharp criticism from China, which has responded with limited retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports while filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
Meanwhile, Trump has directed his administration to review trade relations with other nations, warning that additional tariffs could be imposed by April.
Trump’s firm stance on tariffs is part of a broader push for what he calls “fair and reciprocal” trade. He has already announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, revisiting similar measures imposed during his first term in 2018. While he previously renegotiated the USMCA, calling it “the best trade deal ever made,” he has now suggested that the agreement may need further revisions when it comes up for review in 2026.
As the deadline for the tariff pause approaches, businesses in Canada and Mexico are bracing for impact, while Trump’s supporters see his trade policies as a necessary correction to years of economic disadvantage. With his administration continuing to push for stronger borders and tougher trade terms, Trump is making it clear: America’s economic interests come first.