Mon Mar 10 08:16:42 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs on Canada and Mexico After April 2 Deadline
**Washington D.C.** – President Trump issued a stark warning to Canada and Mexico Sunday, hinting at potential increases to the recently imposed tariffs on goods from both countries. While confirming that reciprocal tariffs, initially scheduled for February but delayed until April 2nd, will go into effect as planned, he left the door open for further escalation.
“The tariffs could go up as time goes by,” Trump stated during an interview on Fox News. He justified the tariffs, claiming the U.S. has been “ripped off” by other nations and that his administration aims to rectify this situation.
The April 2nd deadline marks the end of a month-long reprieve granted to both Canada and Mexico following the initial announcement of a 25% duty on goods covered by the USMCA trade agreement. While initially pausing tariffs on automakers for a month, and later extending that pause to all USMCA-covered goods until April, Trump declared this to be a one-time measure. “After that, I’m not doing this,” he emphasized.
Trump reiterated his call for increased domestic production, stating, “Build it here, there’s no tariff.”
Concerns regarding a potential recession, fueled by the trade tensions and slowing economic growth, were also addressed. While declining to predict a recession in 2025, Trump acknowledged a period of economic transition, assuring that the long-term outcome will be beneficial, particularly for farmers.
The President also addressed questions regarding potential federal government downsizing, a proposal championed by advisor Elon Musk. Trump expressed a desire to cut defense spending, but ruled it out for the foreseeable future, citing global challenges posed by China and Russia, and the need for substantial investment in nuclear weapons.
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