Thu Feb 27 05:27:33 UTC 2025: ## Trump Defies Drop in Border Crossings, Maintains Threat of Tariffs on Mexico and Canada

**Washington D.C.** – President Trump has doubled down on his threat to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, despite acknowledging a significant drop in illegal border crossings. While a 30-day pause on the tariffs is set to expire on March 4th, Trump stated he will proceed with the tariffs in early April, dismissing the 90% reduction in border crossings as insufficient. He attributed the decline partly to his own actions.

Trump’s unwavering stance, citing the ongoing flow of fentanyl into the U.S. as his primary concern, caused the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso to rise against the greenback.

Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne indicated Canada will await official executive orders before responding, stating they are prepared for a “targeted, strategic but firm response” should the tariffs be implemented. Mexico’s Economy Ministry declined to comment directly but confirmed upcoming meetings between Mexican officials and newly appointed U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Secretary.

In a separate development, Trump also announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs, matching the import duty rates of other countries and countering their trade restrictions. He specified that tariffs on European Union goods will be announced soon, with a rate of approximately 25% targeting cars and other products. He accused the EU of taking advantage of the U.S. by restricting imports of American cars and farm products.

A European Commission spokesperson responded with a statement that the EU will firmly and immediately counter any unjustified trade barriers, emphasizing the EU’s role as a major free market that benefits the U.S.

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