Trump’s 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico goes into effect

President Donald Trump’s long-awaited 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico is finally set to be enforced starting this Tuesday, following a month-long delay. 

The tariff, initially announced on February 1, was temporarily postponed for one month, but now the President has confirmed that it will officially take effect.

Speaking about the purpose of the tariff, Trump explained that it was an important step toward curbing the flow of illegal drugs and immigrants into the United States. 

“These tariffs play a key role in helping our neighbors take action to stop the flow of illegal drugs and immigrants into their country,” he said.

The announcement comes just weeks after Trump began his second term as president on January 20. 

Prior to this, he had made it clear that he intended to impose the 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. 

In January, Trump assured the public that his earlier promise would be kept and that the tariff would go into effect on February 1, despite the temporary delay.

In exchange for the delay, both Canada and Mexico agreed to take action to address border security and reduce drug trafficking over the following month. 

With the deadline now passed, the U.S. has moved forward with its plan to implement the tariff, which is expected to impact the trade relationship between these North American countries.