US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is pausing tariffs on Mexican imports following talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, citing their “very good relationship.” However, the exemption comes with an expiration date—April 2.
“After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This Agreement is until April 2nd. I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum.”
Trump further said, “I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!”
The decision comes after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at a broader exemption during a CNBC interview, stating that Trump would “likely” suspend the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for most products and services covered under the USMCA. “You will get a reprieve from the tariffs now,” Lutnick said, estimating that more than half of US imports from Mexico and Canada would qualify.
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The decision follows a week of economic turmoil after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, sparking backlash from US industries and lawmakers concerned about rising costs.
On Wednesday, Trump granted a one-month exemption to the auto industry, allowing US automakers to avoid immediate price hikes on vehicles and parts imported from Mexico and Canada. Now, it appears the exemption has expanded.
