President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is temporarily suspending new tariff hikes on Mexican imports after a phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Trump had only the day before directed a suspension of tariff hikes aimed at automobiles.
Following my conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, I have conceded that Mexico will not have to pay tariffs on anything under the USMCA Agreement," Trump said on Truth Social. "This agreement is good until April 2.
He added, "I made this choice as a gesture of goodwill and a sign of respect for President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been very productive, and we are working together closely on border security—preventing illegal crossing as well as addressing the fentanyl threat. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your diligence and collaboration!
Trump's move comes after a widely criticized tariff increase two days ago. America had increased tariffs by 25% on Mexican and Canadian imports due to their inability to halt the influx of illegal migrants and fentanyl into the nation. The administration also said it was imposing a 20% increase in tariffs on particular Chinese imports, blaming Beijing for not putting an end to fentanyl manufacturing and export, which is largely responsible for America's opioid crisis.
While Trump had a private phone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, no such relief was announced for Canada. Trump only reiterated his complaint about Canada's actions regarding border security and fentanyl smuggling. In what is seen by some as an act of provocation, he again called Trudeau "governor"—a nod that connects to his earlier statements implying Canada could be made the 51st US state.
But reports suggest that Trump can later declare exemptions for Canada too.
Trump has also indicated that he will soon introduce a new trade policy effective from April 2. In this regime, the US will impose tit-for-tat tariffs on imports from any nation imposing higher tariffs on American products. He has been repeatedly mentioning India as one of the countries which can be subject to such measures.
Read also| 27-Year-Old Telangana Student Shot Dead in US in Suspected Robbery
