Trump Delays Customs Implementation due to Superstitious Beliefs
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Donald Trump's stance on trade policy with Canada and Mexico has left many scratching their heads. Despite his fiery rhetoric, it remains unclear if and when he'll implement tariffs. Recently, the US president has stirred more confusion.
During his first cabinet meeting, Trump hinted at April 2 as the date to implement some tariffs, claiming he wanted to avoid being associated with April Fool's Day pranks. Previously, in early February, he had imposed 25% tariffs on imports from these countries, only to temporarily suspend them later.
Trump's decision to suspend the tariffs followed disputes regarding drug smuggling and illegal immigration. Assurances from both countries had earned them a 30-day reprieve. This deadline falls on March 31st. A US government representative confirmed that this date remains unchanged, pending a review of immigration and drug trafficking measures implemented by the neighboring nations.
Trump's remarks on TV ignited hopes in the financial markets for a delayed imposition of tariffs. The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso both strengthened against the US dollar in response.
Canada's Innovation Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, vowed to wait for an actual tariff imposition before reacting. Champagne expressed his desire to dodge tariffs and extend the suspension period if necessary. He also promised a targeted, strategic, but firm response if tariffs were enforced.
The Mexican Ministry of Economy declined comment on Trump's remarks, but confirmed Economic Minister Marcelo Ebrard would meet with the new US trade representative, Jamiey Greer, on Thursday, and Trade Minister Howard Lutnick on Friday.
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Since February 1, 2025, President Trump has announced substantial tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China.
These tariffs consist of a 25% ad valorem rate for most Mexican and Canadian exports, with a 10% levied on Canadian energy resources. China, on the other hand, faces a 10% tariff on all imports[1][2][3].
However, these tariffs have been postponed temporarily. Both Mexico and Canada have secured agreements with the US to delay the tariffs until March 4, 2025[5]. Such delays address concerns over immigration and drug trafficking, with Mexico deploying 10,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border and Canada committing to enhanced border security and combatting fentanyl trafficking[3][5].
Canada, initially planning to retaliate with a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of US goods, has put its retaliation plans on hold. Meanwhile, Mexico's retaliation plans remain undisclosed[2].
China, unlike its North American counterparts, has yet to announce retaliatory tariffs while preparing to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO)[4]. It also plans to take "necessary countermeasures." Nevertheless, China hasn't reached an agreement with the US to delay or alter the tariffs[5].
The current status of these tariffs continues to stir debates and pose potential escalation or resolution threats depending on the actions of the involved countries.
Other countries, like Canada and Mexico, are carefully watching Trump's actions regarding tariffs. Reacting only after the actual implementation, France's François-Philippe Champagne vowed a strategic response if tariffs are enforced. On Thursday, Mexico's Economic Minister Marcelo Ebrard is set to meet with the new US trade representative, possibly discussing the tariff issue.
