Trump Temporarily Suspends Tariffs on Mexico Until April 2, Signals Strong Ties with Sheinbaum
On March 6, 2025, President Trump announced a suspension of most tariffs on Mexico until April 2, signaling improved relations after discussions with President Claudia Sheinbaum. This decision, aimed at fostering economic stability under the USMCA, highlights ongoing cooperation on issues like migration and security amid previous trade tensions.
hassan benyoub 
March 6, 2025 – In a surprising reversal of his earlier trade stance, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday via his Truth Social platform that he has suspended most tariffs on Mexico until April 2. The decision, which affects goods covered under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), comes after a phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, highlighting a thawing of tensions between the two North American neighbors.
In his post, Trump emphasized that Mexico “will not have to pay tariffs on all goods covered by the USMCA” until the specified date. He framed the move as a gesture of goodwill toward Sheinbaum, with whom he claims to share a “very good” relationship. The temporary tariff suspension signals a pragmatic step to maintain economic stability under the free-trade agreement that governs the bulk of U.S.-Mexico commerce.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the decision, calling it a milestone in bilateral cooperation. In an official statement following their conversation, she praised the “unprecedented results” of their collaboration. Sheinbaum underscored that both governments will continue to address pressing issues such as migration and security, with a focus on curbing the illegal flow of fentanyl into the United States and reducing arms trafficking into Mexico.
The announcement follows weeks of speculation about potential trade conflicts, as Trump had previously hinted at imposing tariffs to pressure Mexico on border security and drug trafficking. Analysts suggest this temporary reprieve could pave the way for deeper negotiations on these critical topics, which remain at the forefront of U.S.-Mexico relations.
The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA in 2020, has been a cornerstone of economic ties between the two nations, facilitating billions in trade annually. By suspending tariffs until April 2, Trump appears to balance his tough-on-trade rhetoric with diplomatic pragmatism, at least for now.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how both leaders leverage this period to tackle shared challenges like immigration and the opioid crisis. For now, the tariff suspension offers a breather for businesses reliant on cross-border trade and reinforces the importance of the U.S.-Mexico partnership.
