U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has suspended 25 percent tariffs on Mexican goods covered by the USMCA trade agreement until April 2, praising bilateral cooperation in combating smuggling and illegal immigration.
“After speaking with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, I have agreed that Mexico will not pay tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA treaty. This agreement is in effect until April 2,” Trump wrote on the social media site Truth Social, noting that he agreed to the deal as a favor and a sign of respect for Sheinbaum.
According to MSNBC, most goods imported from Mexico enter America under the rules of the USMCA, the agreement that replaced the previous NAFTA trade pact.
“Our relationship is very good, we are working hard together on the border, both to stop illegal aliens from entering the United States and to stop fentanyl,” he added, thanking the Mexican leader for her “hard work and cooperation.”
Sheinbaum confirmed the tariff suspension and thanked Trump on Platform X. She described her conversation with the US President as “excellent and respectful” and added that she agreed with him that bilateral cooperation “has produced unprecedented results” within the framework of “respect for the sovereignty” of both countries.
“We will continue to work together, particularly on migration and security, including curbing fentanyl smuggling into the United States as well as weapons smuggling into Mexico,” Sheinbaum wrote.
The media emphasize that Trump did not mention the suspension of tariffs on goods from Canada, which he also imposed 25 percent tariffs on this week.
The tariff suspension comes a day after Trump announced a one-month postponement of tariffs on cars and parts from Canada and Mexico, adding that he did so at the request of the largest US car companies, Stellantis, Ford and General Motors. (PAP)
