President Trump has hit pause on his tariff plan for Canada again.
He signed executive orders Thursday afternoon, delaying those Canadian tariffs until April 2nd on products covered under the USMCA. The 10 percent energy tariff on Canada is still in place, but he has taken action on potash imports, and he has reduced that tariff rate to 10 percent from the 25 percent rate.
Despite the pause, Canada’s first round of retaliatory tariffs will remain in place. This includes around $21 billion worth of U.S. goods like orange juice, peanut butter, appliances, and paper products. The country had planned another round of tariffs targeting areas like dairy, beef and pork, but those have since been called off.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins released a statement after the ink had dried. She says, “President Trump’s announcement which includes a reduction of tariffs on potash not already covered under the USMCA from 25% to 10% is a critical step in helping farmers manage and secure key input costs at the height of planting season while reinforcing long-term agricultural trade relations.”
The delay on Canadian tariffs came shortly after he announced a similar pause with Mexico. The President says he made his decision after a conversation with Mexican President Gloria Sheinbaum. Mexican products included under the USMCA like dairy, tomatoes, oranges, and wheat continue to flow without extra taxes.
Some lawmakers have written President Trump about recent tariff action, saying they are concerned. In a letter penned by House Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, she joins other lawmakers warning farmers are operating on tight margins and says tariffs will make it harder for Americans to put food on the table. They also worry about damage to trade relationships.
