WASHINGTON, D.C, March 1, (V7N) – US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is urging Canada and Mexico to impose matching tariffs on China, suggesting that doing so could help them avoid President Donald Trump’s new trade levies on their own exports.

A month-long pause on up to 25% tariffs targeting Canadian and Mexican imports is set to expire next Tuesday, with negotiations underway to prevent the measures from taking effect.

Bessent, in an interview with Bloomberg Television, noted that Mexico has proposed mirroring US tariffs on China as a potential solution.

"I think it would be a nice gesture if the Canadians did it also," Bessent added, emphasizing that aligned policies could help form a “Fortress North America” against Chinese exports.

Washington has repeatedly warned of China’s excess industrial capacity, fearing that a surge of low-cost Chinese goods could undercut global markets and harm domestic manufacturers.

To counteract this, Trump has doubled down on tariffs, announcing a 10% blanket tariff on Chinese imports this week—on top of an initial 10% increase in early February.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed optimism about striking a deal with Trump, hinting that Mexico could impose its own tariffs on China to secure an agreement.

However, Trump made it clear that any deal hinges on Mexico’s efforts to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking.

In an apparent goodwill gesture, Mexico extradited several high-profile drug lords to the US this week, including a cartel boss wanted for the murder of an American undercover agent.

Canada’s Response and Next Steps

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has assured that his government is working "around the clock" to avoid US tariffs. However, he has also stated that Canada will respond immediately if Trump proceeds with the new levies.

The situation remains fluid as the March 4 deadline approaches.

END/SMA/RH/