President Trump’s latest tariff moves on Mexico and Canada: “They’re ripping us off”

After a series of 11th-hour conversations, tariffs are on hold with our two largest trading partners.

Late yesterday, Canada agreed to several measures similar to Mexico, to avoid President Trump’s threat of 25 percent tariffs. Those tariffs against both countries are on hold for 30 days. Both countries have agreed to stronger border security, with Canada even agreeing to create a fentanyl czar to stop the drug from crossing the border.

Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump says it is time for America to stand our ground.

“You’re gonna say every single one of those countries is dying to make a deal. You know why? They’re ripping us off, really badly, and the United States is tired of being ripped off. That’s why we have $36 trillion in debt. We have it for a reason: because we make bad deals with everybody, and we don’t allow that anymore.”

Both countries will send 10,000 troops to their border. Canada said it will direct $900 million in border security. President Trump says he will continue to negotiate terms over the next month.

Related Stories
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.