President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs targeting imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, while granting a one-month exemption to the U.S. auto industry amid concerns about domestic manufacturing impacts.

The tariffs, set at 25% for most imports from Canada and Mexico (with Canadian energy products facing a lower 10% rate), will take effect April 2, 2025 [1][2]. Trump also doubled existing tariffs on Chinese imports to 20% [3].

Following discussions with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis leadership on Wednesday, the White House announced a temporary one-month exemption for automakers [2]. This move comes as industry leaders express concerns about potential damage to domestic manufacturing.

International response was swift. China imposed retaliatory tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, wheat, meats, corn, and cotton [3]. Canada and Mexico are expected to announce their countermeasures, with Mexico planning to unveil specific products this weekend [3].

The agricultural sector is actively seeking exemptions, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins indicating that 'everything is on the table' regarding potential relief for farmers [3]. The American Farm Bureau Federation warned that 'additional tariffs, along with expected retaliatory tariffs, will take a toll on rural America.'

Trump justified the tariffs citing multiple reasons, including national security, border control, and fentanyl trafficking. Recent data shows U.S. customs agents seized 21,100 pounds of fentanyl at the Mexican border compared to 43 pounds at the Canadian border in the last fiscal year [2].