Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada took effect this week, but some are paused until April

Since his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump has been working through numerous campaign promises. Issuing 76 executive orders thus far, the current administration has not shied away from divisive actions on a number of issues.

Among these actions is a series of tariffs implemented on Canada, Mexico and China. Originally planned to begin on Feb. 4, the tariffs on Mexico and Canada were delayed by 30 days following discussions between the North American leaders.

That time has run out, and the 25% tariffs took effect Tuesday, March 4, and 10% for energy products from Canada. Additionally, Trump doubled the tariffs on China that took effect last month as originally planned.

Just days after the tariffs went into effect, though, Trump announced via social media that tariffs on most imports from Mexico and some from Canada will be paused until early April.

”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. This Agreement is until April 2nd,” President Trump posted this morning on Truth Social, the social networking platform owned by Trump Media. “I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum.”

According to Axios, the stock market has fluctuated in the days since the tariffs were imposed, and stocks fell more into the red with this announcement.

Counter tariffs imposed

Counter tariffs have been issued out of Beijing. Canada is imposing tariffs on $155 billion of American goods over the next three weeks. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is planning to announce its counter tariffs plans this weekend, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

With counter tariffs already imposed on numerous industries, and others to become impacted in the near future, the trade war will have major impacts on the economy across the country.

Here’s what markets would be impacted most in Washington.

WA’s North American trade

In Washington state, like the rest of the country, Mexico and Canada are top trade partners.

Trade was referred to as the “lifeblood of Washington state’s economy” in a fact sheet from Senator Maria Cantwell’s office, and Canada and Mexico were called top trading partners for the state and entire country.

Canada is Washington’s number one trade partner. In 2023 alone, Washington imported $19.9 billion worth of goods from Canada, and exported $9.4 billion worth of goods, according to data sent to McClatchy by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Washington traded $13 billion more with Canada than they did with any other country in that time. Over 15% of the state’s total exports go directly to Canada.

Mexico is the fifth top trading partner for Washington. In 2023, the state’s export value with Mexico was more than $3.48 billion, and its import value was more than $1.7 billion, according to data supplied by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Between both countries, some of the top imports for Washington are mineral fuels, oil, vehicles and vehicle parts, vegetable fats and animal fats, electrical machinery, edible fruits and nuts, aircraft and spacecraft, and live animals.

Between both countries, some of the top exports out of Washington are petrol oil, civilian aircraft and parts, agricultural products, nuclear reactors and machinery, paper and lumber products, and non-railway vehicles.

Further reporting on Washington’s trade markets:

This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 1:44 PM.