U.S. President Donald Trump remains committed to imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico this Saturday, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday.
In her first White House briefing, Leavitt stated that Trump is also “very seriously” considering new tariffs on China for Saturday.
Shortly after assuming office, Trump set a February 1 deadline to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada unless they take steps to curb illegal immigration and the inflow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the U.S. He also announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports due to China’s role in fentanyl trade.
When asked about the tariff deadline for Canada and Mexico, Leavitt confirmed that Trump’s stance remains unchanged.
“The president has explicitly stated his expectations from Canada and Mexico, especially regarding border security. We have witnessed historic cooperation from Mexico. However, as of my last conversation with the president last night, February 1 remains on the schedule,” she stated.
Leavitt did not specify what exact measures Canada, Mexico, and China needed to take to avoid the tariffs. Trump, who initially threatened these punitive duties in November, has said the tariffs will remain in place until the flow of migrants and drugs is halted.
On Sunday, Trump pressured Colombia into accepting deported illegal immigrants from the U.S., including those flown via military aircraft. He had threatened the South American nation with 25% tariffs, leading to heightened tensions between the two trade partners.
Greater Economic Stakes
Trump’s tariff threats against Mexico, Canada, and China target America’s three largest trading partners, which account for over $2.1 trillion in annual trade.
Colombia ranked as the U.S.’ 23rd largest trade partner in 2023, with $33.8 billion in two-way trade. However, disrupting North America’s highly integrated trade system could prove significantly costly, particularly in the auto industry, where parts and components frequently cross borders before final assembly in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
According to Mary Lovely, a trade economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, “This is a serious reality that either needs to be delayed or resolved in some manner.”
She further noted that Canada and Mexico must also consider the potential economic consequences for the U.S., adding, “They’re not Colombia.”
Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary and the designated head of trade strategy, is set to face a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. However, his prepared remarks did not reveal any new details about Trump’s trade agenda.
