U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that new tariffs on Canada and Mexico will proceed as scheduled. His statement came during a press conference following discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized the importance of fair trade practices.
The meeting, which primarily focused on the situation in Ukraine, took place as Trump continues to push for fresh tariffs, leading to ongoing negotiations with both allies and economic competitors.
Shortly after assuming office, Trump introduced tariffs of up to 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports, citing border security and drug trafficking concerns. However, he temporarily delayed their implementation to allow for discussions.
With the pause set to expire next Tuesday, attention is now on whether agreements can be reached to prevent the tariffs, which could disrupt key industries like automobile manufacturing.
“The tariffs are proceeding as planned,” Trump confirmed during the press briefing.
His remarks followed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s statement that negotiations with the U.S. would continue in hopes of reaching a resolution. She suggested that placing levies on Chinese goods could be part of a broader agreement and indicated Mexico’s willingness to review its trade pact with the U.S. and Canada ahead of the 2026 deadline.
Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly acknowledged the reality of the tariff threat, suggesting that it could remain a concern for some time.
Trump reiterated the need for fair trade relationships, saying, “If they charge us, we charge them.”
Macron, in response, stressed the importance of maintaining balanced competition, highlighting the deep economic ties between Europe and the United States. While Trump has focused on tariffs for goods, Macron noted that the U.S. is a key player in the digital economy and called for mutual investment opportunities.
Beyond broad tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Trump’s administration has outlined plans for reciprocal trade measures tailored to specific countries, with further details expected soon.
In a later interview with Fox News, Macron voiced concerns over Trump’s trade policies, arguing that engaging in economic disputes with both China and Europe simultaneously could be detrimental.
“The transatlantic partnership is at a critical point. Our priority should be working closely together to ensure peace and stability,” Macron stated
