President Trump last Saturday announced his plan to impose 25% tariffs on imported goods originating in Canada and Mexico, the United States’ trade partners in the USMCA free trade agreement. The White House cited each country’s failure to prevent illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling as justification for the tariffs. Yesterday, however, the White House announced the tariffs would be paused for 30 days.
The reaction to the tariff announcement from Gov. Hobbs
Mexico and Canada announced pause
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said her government had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to stay the tariffs.
Later in the day Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a similar agreement.
Both leaders agreed to send approximately 10,000 additional personnel to reinforce border security. Trudeau also made a commitment to labeling cartels as terrorists.
Business community reaction
The deal announcement was met with encouragement from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Likewise, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce welcomed the pause.
Both delays are in place for 30 days. Until that point President Trump has committed to negotiate deals with both leaders to avoid the tariffs completely.
Congressional delegation weighs in
Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R), whose district encompasses most of southeastern Arizona, cheered the announcement of the deal.
Rep. Greg Stanton (D), whose district includes portions of Phoenix and the East Valley, led a letter over the weekend to the White House calling for the planned tariffs to be rescinded. On Monday he said the White House “backpedaled.”
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