'Trump Tariffs' 25% Imminent... Canada Warns, Mexico Says 'Let's Meet'

Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, Promises 'Strong Response' if Tariffs Implemented

Mexican President Sheinbaum: 'Let's Meet and Talk Directly'

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his determination to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. As the one-month grace period nears its end, Canada and Mexico are making all-out efforts in last-minute negotiations to avoid the tariffs.

On the 27th local time, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, "Drugs are still coming into our country from Mexico and Canada at a very high and unacceptable level," adding that "the tariffs will go into effect as scheduled on March 4 until this disaster stops or is substantially curtailed."

Previously, Trump announced a 25% blanket tariff on both countries and warned it would begin on February 4, but then delayed it for a month just before implementation. As the grace period nears its end, the Canadian and Mexican governments are busy negotiating with the U.S. while internally focusing on alleviating public anxiety.

According to AFP, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Montreal that day, "We are working day and night for one goal," adding, "That is to prevent the imposition of tariffs on Tuesday (March 4)." Trudeau emphasized that if tariffs are implemented, "we will respond immediately and very strongly."

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also held a press conference that morning, saying, "Currently, a high-level Mexican delegation is negotiating in Washington," and "I hope to be able to speak directly with President Trump after these talks conclude." She added, "I hope we can reach an agreement."

Previously, Canada and Mexico accepted Trump's demands, promising to strengthen border controls in exchange for a one-month delay. Canada committed to investing 1.3 billion Canadian dollars (1.3 trillion won) to enhance border security and appointed a fentanyl czar. Mexico agreed to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the border.

Park Soo-bin, Hankyung.com reporter waterbean@hankyung.com