U.S. to hit Mexico with tariffs on all imports
31 May 2019 - Media Release - The Packer
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he planned to impose a 5% tariff on all imported goods from Mexico beginning June 10.
The tax would “gradually increase” until Mexico stopped the flow of undocumented immigrants across the border, he said.
In a tweet he said the tariffs would be in place “until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP.”
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In a White House statement that followed the tweet, he said that tariffs would be raised to 10% on July 1 “if the crisis persists,” and then by another 5% each month for three months.
“Tariffs will permanently remain at the 25 percent level unless and until Mexico substantially stops the illegal inflow of aliens coming through its territory,” the statement said.
“Workers who come to our country through the legal admissions process, including those working on farms, ranches, and in other businesses, will be allowed easy passage.
“If Mexico fails to act, Tariffs will remain at the high level, and companies located in Mexico may start moving back to the United States to make their products and goods. Companies that relocate to the United States will not pay the Tariffs or be affected in any way.”
Trump’s announcement came the same day his administration told Congress it planned to seek congressional approval of the new trade pact with Mexico and Canada, known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
A few days ago the administration removed a 10% tariff on Mexican steel and aluminum imports. That led to Mexico lifting a 20% tariff on U.S. apple imports.