Trump Pauses Mexican Tariffs After Mexico Agrees to do More at the Border

By Joe

7-Minute read

In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday via social media that new tariffs on Mexico would be temporarily suspended for one month. This decision came after Mexico agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to strengthen security along its northern border, aiming to curb the illegal drug trade, particularly fentanyl. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that the agreement also involves a U.S. pledge to combat the trafficking of high-powered weapons into Mexico. The two leaders held a phone conversation just hours before the scheduled implementation of U.S. tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada. Also to be noted is that many in the MSM stated that these tariffs were not about border safety at all. Even Canada's sissy PM Justin Trudeau made this ridiculous claim in his speech about placing tariffs on the U.S.

Trump stated that the one-month pause would allow both nations to continue negotiations. The announcement followed a sharp decline in U.S. stocks and global financial markets, driven by fears of an escalating trade war. The S&P 500 dropped 1.7% at the opening bell, reflecting the market's unease after significant losses in Asian and European markets earlier in the day. This however is clearly not the reason Trump decided to pause the Tariffs, otherwise, he would have also paused the Chinese and Canadian tariffs. However, Trump also mentioned that he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and planned to do so again later in the day. Both Canada and Mexico had previously announced retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. measures. While the tariffs on Mexico have been paused, those targeting Canada and China are still set to take effect on Tuesday.

These countries should take note, especially being that the tariffs will hurt them more than us. Most countries, as many of you already know, have had tariffs on us long before President Trump took office the first time. Meanwhile, during a press briefing in Washington on Sunday, Trump hinted that the European Union could be the next target for tariffs, though he did not specify a timeline. He criticized the EU for its trade practices, claiming, "They don't take our cars, they don't take our farm products. They take almost nothing, and we take everything from them." He is correct as well, especially on the issue of food. The EU takes in around $10 billion in food from the USA. Most of this comes from the sale of soybeans, planting seeds, tree nuts, and prepared foods. Whereas the USA takes in double that from the EU, taking in about $20 billion in food supplies. 

When it comes to other tariffs, in 2018, President Trump imposed tariffs on EU steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, citing national security concerns. In response, the EU introduced retaliatory tariffs on $3.3 billion worth of U.S. These tariffs included Steel and aluminum products (25% tariff), agricultural products (25% tariff), and various industrial goods (10% tariff). 

EU leaders, gathered for an informal summit in Brussels, responded by emphasizing their readiness to defend their interests if the U.S. imposed tariffs. French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that the EU would "make itself respected and thus react" if its commercial interests were threatened. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment, stating that while the EU could impose its own tariffs if necessary, finding a negotiated solution would be preferable.

Trump suggested that the UK, which exited the EU in 2020, might be exempt from tariffs, expressing optimism that a deal could be reached. The U.S. and the EU share a robust trade and investment relationship, with the U.S. running a significant trade deficit in goods but a surplus in services, according to 2023 Eurostat data.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that a trade war would have no winners, and if tensions escalated between Europe and the U.S., China would likely benefit. This statement is absurd. Tariffs are a great way for countries to build up their revenue further allowing for better infrastructure and interior improvements within the countries. That is, when the leaders act responsibly with these funds. One thing is clear in this department. With DOGE ending wasteful spending practices, throughout the whole of government, this should help with the situation here. 

It is important to not that many countries have had long standing tariffs on U.S. goods. In short, other countries also have had tariffs on us since before Trump ever stepped into the White House. They include:

1. China

• China has historically maintained tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in industries like agriculture, automobiles, and technology. The U.S.-China trade relationship has been complex, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other for decades.

2. European Union (EU)

• The EU has had tariffs on U.S. products, particularly in agriculture (e.g., poultry, beef, and dairy) and manufacturing. Disputes over subsidies for Boeing and Airbus have also led to long-standing tariffs.

3. Canada

• Canada has had tariffs on certain U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., dairy products) and manufacturing. The two countries have a deeply integrated trade relationship, but disputes over specific industries have led to tariffs.

4. Mexico

• Mexico has imposed tariffs on U.S. goods in response to trade disputes, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) reduced many tariffs, but some remained in place.

5. India

• India has maintained tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., poultry, almonds, and apples) and manufacturing. Intellectual property disputes and market access issues have also contributed to tariffs.

6. Brazil

• Brazil has imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., ethanol and cotton) and manufacturing. The U.S.-Brazil trade relationship has seen disputes over subsidies and market access.

7. Japan

• Japan has had tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, particularly beef, pork, and dairy. The U.S.-Japan trade relationship has been shaped by efforts to reduce these tariffs through agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

8. South Korea

• South Korea has maintained tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., rice and beef) and automobiles. The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) reduced many tariffs, but some remained in place.

9. Russia

• Russia has imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. Political tensions and trade disputes have contributed to these tariffs.

10. Argentina

• Argentina has had tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., biofuels and dairy) and manufacturing. Trade disputes over subsidies and market access have been a factor.

11. Turkey

• Turkey has imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. Political and economic tensions have influenced these tariffs.

12. Thailand

• Thailand has maintained tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., pork and poultry) and manufacturing. Trade disputes over market access have been a factor.

13. Indonesia

• Indonesia has imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., fruits and dairy) and manufacturing. Trade disputes over subsidies and market access have contributed to these tariffs.

14. South Africa

• South Africa has had tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., poultry and beef) and manufacturing. Trade disputes over market access and subsidies have been a factor.

15. Australia

• Australia has maintained tariffs on U.S. goods, particularly in agriculture (e.g., dairy and sugar) and manufacturing. The U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement reduced many tariffs, but some remained in place.

Also worth noting is that Joe Biden kept many of the Trump tariffs and even increased a few of them. During his presidency, Barack Obama imposed several tariffs and trade enforcement actions. One notable example was the 35% tariff on tires imported from China in 2009. This move aimed to protect the domestic tire industry and supposedly to save American jobs. Additionally, the Obama administration pursued numerous trade enforcement actions at the World Trade Organization (WTO), particularly against China. These actions were set in place allegedly to target unfair subsidies and dumping practices to level the playing field for American workers and businesses. Yet the media did not make a big deal out of it or propagandize any of it until it was Trump who continues to use them as negotiating tactics.  

So, when you hear brainwashed NPC leftists who cry over tariffs, be sure to point out all of these actual facts to them.