President Donald J. Trump is moving forward with tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, building on past successes and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest. As stated in the Presidential Memorandum on American First Trade Policy, President Trump emphasizes that trade policy is crucial to national security.
In a fact sheet released by the White House on the early morning of March 4, Trump had promised in November to “sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States.”
On February 3, Sheinbaum and Trump agreed to delay the implementation of tariffs on Mexico for one month.
Related Article: U.S.-Mexico Tariffs Paused for One Month Amid Agreement
Mexico President’s Response
During her morning press conference on Tuesday, March 4, at the National Palace, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said she would call Trump this week.
Sheinbaum announced that the call with U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled for Thursday, March 6. The goal of the call is to discuss the enforcement of the 25 percent tariffs on Mexico.
Sheinbaum also revealed that her government has decided to respond “with tariff and non-tariff measures” and called on Mexicans to attend a public assembly in the Zócalo (Mexico City’s downtown) to be informed about the actions.
“We have decided to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures, which I will announce in a public gathering next Sunday. In no way is it our intention to initiate an economic or commercial confrontation, which unfortunately is the opposite of what we should be doing; that is, integrating our economies more to strengthen our region in the face of other regions’ economic and commercial advancement,” she said.
Reaction of the National Retail Federation
David French, the National Retail Federation (NRF) Executive Vice President of Government Relations, also issued a press release reacting to the Trump administration’s announcement.
“The decision to impose tariffs on our North American neighbors and two of our largest trading partners is a significant measure. Unfortunately, it is one that will only hurt hardworking Americans and the businesses that strive to provide customers with the products they want and need on a daily basis.
“Tariffs are just one tool at the administration’s disposal to achieve a secure border, and we urge it to explore other options to accomplish the same goals. As long as these tariffs are in place, Americans will be forced to pay higher prices on household goods.
“We urge the Trump administration and our Canadian and Mexican counterparts to work together to quickly resolve our outstanding border security issues.”