President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the 25% tariffs on a majority of Mexican goods will be postponed for another month following discussions with Mexico’s president. The decision marks the second time the tariffs, first introduced in February, have been delayed.
The move follows comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who hinted that the delay could extend to both Canada and Mexico. The postponement applies to goods that comply with the trade agreement negotiated between the three North American nations.
“We are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, emphasizing the administration’s priorities in addressing border security and drug trafficking concerns.
Trump’s fluctuating stance on tariffs has led to significant volatility in financial markets, reduced consumer confidence, and created uncertainty for businesses, potentially affecting hiring and investment decisions. Analysts suggest that the unpredictability of trade policies could have long-term effects on global supply chains and economic stability.
Commerce Secretary Lutnick clarified that reciprocal tariffs—where the U.S. imposes duties on nations that tax American exports—will still take effect on April 2. The U.S. stock markets, which had earlier seen losses, rebounded slightly following Lutnick’s remarks.
International Reactions
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the latest tariff delay, calling it a “promising sign” but acknowledging that tariffs remain in place. He cautioned that Canada could be engaged in a prolonged trade conflict with the U.S., stating, “While the delay is a step in the right direction, it does not alter the broader reality of ongoing trade tensions.”
Meanwhile, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed that China would not succumb to U.S. pressure, warning that trade wars yield no winners. Speaking at China’s National Congress, Wang underscored the nation’s resilience against rising U.S. tariffs and highlighted plans to bolster China’s economy and financial markets.
Since Trump resumed office in January, his administration has twice raised tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering retaliatory measures from Beijing, including new restrictions on American goods and businesses.
Sources By Agencies
