Donald Trump, Canada, Mexico, tariffs
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Trump had said on Sunday that the tariffs would lift if Canada and Mexico did more to crack down on illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. | File photo

Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Canada, Mexico as they vow to boost border security

The US and Mexican leaders announced the pause after what Trump described on social media as a “very friendly conversation"


US President Donald Trump on Monday held off on his tariff threats against Mexico and Canada for 30 days after the two US neighbours agreed to boost border security efforts.

Trump on Saturday had directed that 25 per cent tariffs on most imports from the two American partners — and 10% on Canadian energy products — go into effect at midnight Tuesday. The two nations threatened retaliation of their own, raising the prospects of a broader regional trade war.

In a statement on X, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that on a call with Trump he pledged additional cooperation on border security. It follows similar moves by Mexico earlier Monday.

“Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together," Trudeau said.

Also read: Canada, Mexico retaliate after Donald Trump imposes steep tariffs

Negotiations with Mexico

Earlier, President Trump held off Monday on his tariff threats against Mexico for one month of further negotiations after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to send 10,000 members of her country's national guard to the border to address drug trafficking.

The US and Mexican leaders announced the pause after what Trump described on social media as a “very friendly conversation,” and he said he looked forward to the upcoming talks.

Trump said the talks would be headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick and high-level representatives of Mexico.

“I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a deal' between our two Countries,” the president said.

Deployment of troops

As a condition ahead of the talks, Sheinbaum laid out changes in border policies, and Trump confirmed Mexico's deployment of troops.

Also read: Let up in tariff war as Colombia accepts US flights, claims White House

“Mexico will reinforce the northern border with 10,000 members of the National Guard immediately, to stop drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, in particular fentanyl,” Sheinbaum posted on X. “The United States commits to work to stop the trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico.”

Trump had said on Sunday that the tariffs would lift if Canada and Mexico did more to crack down on illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling, though there are no clear benchmarks. Trump also said the US can no longer run a trade imbalance with its two largest trade partners.

(With agency inputs)

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