Mexican and Canadian officials expressed growing frustration with the Trump administration's tariff negotiations, citing a lack of clarity on the U.S. demands, according to sources from both countries speaking to Reuters. The back-and-forth imposition of tariffs has left negotiating teams exasperated, with one Mexican official comparing it to "dealing with an angry partner and you don’t know what they're mad about."
President Trump recently announced a temporary exemption for goods compliant with the North American trade pact, following the initial implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods. Despite the shared frustration, Mexico has emphasized its respect for the U.S. and cooperation, while Canada has openly criticized the situation.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned of an ongoing trade war with the U.S., stressing the need for a resolution beyond constant uncertainty. Meanwhile, discussions have been marred by shifting focuses, ranging from combating fentanyl and illegal migration to trade deficits, causing confusion among officials.
While U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed claims of ambiguity, Canadian and Mexican officials continue to struggle with the lack of clear demands and the shifting rationale behind the tariffs. Uncertainty persists regarding whether the U.S. administration can deliver on its promises, making the negotiations increasingly challenging for all parties involved.