U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a one-month pause on tariffs targeting Mexican imports following an agreement with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum to deploy 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal migration.
Trump made the announcement on Monday, January 3, via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that both leaders had reached a mutual understanding.
“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States,” Trump wrote.
“These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country,” he added.
The agreement also includes a temporary halt on the 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, which were set to take effect on Tuesday. Trump explained that the pause would allow time for negotiations between high-level officials from both countries.
“We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one-month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, along with high-level Representatives of Mexico,” he stated.
Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions, emphasizing their importance in fostering cooperation between the two nations.
“I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a ‘deal’ between our two Countries,” he said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also confirmed the agreement in a social media post, outlining Mexico’s commitment to border security while highlighting U.S. efforts to curb arms trafficking into Mexico.
“Mexico will immediately reinforce the border with 10,000 members of its National Guard, while the U.S. has committed to working on preventing high-powered weapons from being trafficked into our country,” Sheinbaum wrote.
Trump had initially announced the tariffs as a response to illegal immigration and the influx of fentanyl from Mexico. However, the temporary reprieve signals a move towards diplomatic negotiations rather than economic penalties.
The coming weeks will be crucial as both nations work towards a comprehensive agreement addressing security, trade, and border control concerns.
