Trade Cases

Trump reiterates March 4 start for universal tariffs of 25% on Canada, Mexico

Written by Laura Miller

February 27, 2025

Even after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, there’s still some confusion about President Trump’s tariff plans.

Earlier this week, the president signaled the 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico would begin next week.

But during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Trump appeared to suggest that the levies could be pushed out another month. Namely, to the April 2, a date he’s previously thrown around for other tariffs.

After the meeting, a White House spokesperson clarified to Politico that the tariffs are indeed scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, March 4, and the “reciprocal tariffs are still on for April 2.”

And on Thursday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social about Canada and Mexico: “the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled.”

He added, “China will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date.”

CNBC confirmed with the White House that the additional 10% duty will raise China’s tariff rate to 20%.

Trump also reiterated: “The April Second Reciprocal Tariff date will remain in full force and effect.”

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. Since 2007, she has held various editorial and marketing positions with steel industry publications, associations, and mills. In 2021, after a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel trade journalism, joining SMU in 2022. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at laura@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7869.

Read more from Laura Miller

Latest in Trade Cases