Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his decision to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, tying them to border security concerns and trade imbalances. The tariffs, initially set for March 4, are now expected to take effect on April 2, giving businesses and trade partners a brief window to prepare.
 

Trump Links Tariffs to Fentanyl Crisis and Border Security

During his first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Trump acknowledged that illegal border crossings from Mexico and Canada had decreased, but insisted that tariffs would still be implemented."We've lost millions of people due to fentanyl. It comes mostly from China, but it comes through Mexico, and it comes through Canada... And I have to tell you that, you know, on April 2nd, the tariffs go on... and I think you're going to see something that's going to be amazing," Trump said.Despite a reported 90% drop in border crossings, he reiterated that trade penalties were necessary, arguing that US enforcement efforts were primarily responsible for the improvement."I'm not stopping the tariffs, no. Millions of people have died because of the fentanyl that comes over the border... Yeah, they've been good, but that's also due to us. Mostly due to us," he added.
 

Canada and Mexico Prepare Responses

Following Trump’s announcement, the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso saw fluctuations in value as investors reacted to the impending trade restrictions.Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne stated that Canada would wait for official executive orders before formulating its response."Our mission is still to avoid the tariffs, extend the suspension if we need to," Champagne said. "We are prepared - there will be a targeted, strategic but firm response" if tariffs are enforced.Meanwhile, Mexico’s Economy Ministry declined to comment but confirmed that Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is set to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick this week for further discussions.
 

Trump Targets EU With 25% Reciprocal Tariffs

In addition to North American trade penalties, Trump also set an early April deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs to match the import duty rates and trade restrictions imposed by other countries on US goods.When asked about potential tariffs on European imports, Trump stated that his administration had already made a decision."We have made a decision, and we'll be announcing it very soon, and it'll be 25%, generally speaking, and that'll be on cars, and all of the things," Trump confirmed.He accused the European Union of blocking US exports and claimed the bloc was designed to take advantage of the United States."They don't accept our cars. They don't accept, essentially, our farm products," Trump stated. "The EU was formed in order to screw the United States."
 

EU Warns of Retaliation Against US Tariffs

A European Commission spokesperson condemned Trump’s comments and warned that the EU would respond strongly to any trade barriers."The European Union is the world's largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States," the spokesperson said.The EU pledged to "react firmly and immediately" against unjustified trade restrictions, particularly if new tariffs are imposed on European automobiles and agricultural products.
 

What’s Next?

With Trump’s April 2 deadline looming, trade partners including Canada, Mexico, and the EU are expected to intensify negotiations and prepare countermeasures. Meanwhile, US businesses, especially in the automotive, agriculture, and import sectors, brace for the potential impact of these broad trade policies.As tensions rise, the global economic landscape remains uncertain, with major economies monitoring Trump’s next executive orders and their implications for international trade relations.