The White House Suspends Tariffs on USMCA Compliant Imports
The White House announced on Thursday afternoon that it will suspend tariffs on all imports that are compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April 2. This decision comes as a relief to many industries, including the food industry, as nearly all agricultural products are covered under the USMCA.
The pause, initially extended to imports from Mexico, has now been expanded to include goods from Canada that meet the trade deal’s requirements. This move, which builds on a previous exemption for car imports from both countries, aims to minimize disruption to the automotive industry.
According to a White House statement released on Thursday, roughly half of Mexico’s imports to the U.S. are USMCA compliant, while nearly 40% of those from Canada adhere to the agreement. This tariff suspension is a step towards preserving important markets and ensuring farmers have access to the supplies they need.
While the delay provides temporary relief, a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports is still set to go into effect on March 12. Additionally, the U.S. is preparing to enact a universal reciprocal tariff policy on April 2, the day the tariff pause ends.
President Trump and Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum reached an agreement on a tariff pause on Thursday morning. This decision was made out of respect for Sheinbaum and their cooperation in addressing issues such as fentanyl trafficking.
As the deadline approaches, it is crucial for both countries to continue working together on topics such as migration, safety, and reducing illegal activities that affect both nations.