US Proposes New Tariffs on Mexico and Canada Amid Trade Negotiations

The U.S. government has proposed new tariffs of 10% on imports from Mexico and Canada due to concerns over forced labor practices. This proposal comes as the three countries are reviewing the North American trade agreement (T-MEC) for a potential 16-year extension. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) stated that these tariffs aim to address the importation of goods produced with forced labor, impacting not only Mexico and Canada but also 12 other countries. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until July 6, with a public hearing scheduled for July 7. Both Mexico and Canada have expressed confidence that the proposal will be modified following discussions, emphasizing that compliant trade under T-MEC will remain unaffected.

Key Details: • Public comments on the tariff proposal are due by July 6. • A public hearing regarding the tariffs will take place on July 7. • The next round of T-MEC negotiations is set for June 16-17 in Washington. • A third negotiation round will occur on July 20 in Mexico City.