U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration will proceed with a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada beginning March 4, citing ongoing concerns over drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Additionally, a further 10% tariff will be imposed on Chinese imports on the same date, supplementing an earlier 10% duty levied on February 4.

“We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, referring to the influx of drugs into the country. “Until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled. China will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date.”

The announcement clarifies earlier speculation that the tariffs might be delayed, following comments from Trump during his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday. While some interpreted his remarks as suggesting a potential postponement until April 4, administration officials later confirmed that the April deadline referred specifically to Trump’s broader “reciprocal tariffs” plan, which aims to match U.S. import duties with those imposed by other countries.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett stated that the administration would finalize its broader trade policy following a review set for completion on April 1. “There’s a study coming out on April 1, and after that, the president is going to decide what to do about tariff policies for all countries,” Hassett told CNBC.

In response to the tariff announcement, Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is scheduled to meet with newly confirmed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday in an effort to negotiate alternatives and prevent the tariffs from taking effect.