By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump announced a 90-day pause on increasing tariffs on Mexican goods, avoiding the threatened escalation to 30%. This extension allows time for a trade deal to be negotiated. During this period, Mexico will maintain existing tariffs, including 25% on fentanyl and auto imports and 50% on metal commodities. Additionally, Mexico has agreed to eliminate several non-tariff trade barriers. The extension highlights the significance of Mexico as a trading partner and the relationship between Trump and President Sheinbaum.
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Trump extends Mexico’s 25% tariffs for 90 days as talks continue, and it’s hard not to feel a little bit, well, deja vu. We’re essentially in the same boat, again. American businesses are now facing the prospect of paying even more – a full 25% more, to be exact – on goods from Mexico. This is, of course, the result of the extended tariffs. It feels like the extension is for another 90 days, right? This is like a repeat performance.
Do we even need to have trade talks for this? It’s a question that pops into mind. The whole situation feels like a cycle, a negotiation tactic that’s getting a bit tiresome. The stated goal is to “tax them more,” and while that’s the aim, it’s the *how* that is the issue.
The thing is, a US president doesn’t have the power to unilaterally impose tariffs in the first place! It feels like this fundamental point gets glossed over in the whirlwind of announcements. It’s frustrating because it brings an ongoing level of uncertainty to international trade with Mexico, and by extension, to many American businesses. The constant back and forth, the extensions, and the lack of clarity make it incredibly difficult for companies to plan for the future. How can any business make solid plans when the rules of the game are constantly changing?
The whole situation feels remarkably repetitive. It’s difficult to shake the feeling that there will be more extensions. It’s also hard to ignore the possibility that these extensions may continue for some time, perhaps even extending through the next few years.
This flakiness from his trade policies prevents the Federal Reserve from lowering interest rates. It’s a pretty clear indication of the ripple effects of these decisions, which are far-reaching. The financial repercussions and uncertainty are hard to ignore.
The constant “taco” references are a bit much, but they also illustrate how this cycle affects us. “Taco Thursday” is the new normal. The sentiment is clear, a deep frustration with the entire situation and a feeling of being trapped in a loop.
The impact on prices is real. If the price of avocados go up, it affects the price of guacamole. It is such a basic example. It also emphasizes the connection to the real world. The trade impacts directly on consumer products and on the daily lives of ordinary people.
There is a lot of mistrust, and it’s understandable. There’s a concern about market manipulation, particularly in connection with the accusations of insider trading. The public feels as though the focus is on the distractions, not the substance of the matter.
The possibility of an attempt to put the squeeze on Canada raises an interesting question: what’s the end game? Is the goal to rework trade agreements with America’s largest trading partner? And why is there a difference between the deals with Canada and Mexico?
The lack of clarity around trade deals adds fuel to the fire, leaving many feeling that negotiations are not always what they seem. The announcements that are made often fall apart later. It makes it difficult to assess the real impact of these tariffs and their stated goals. It’s fair to call them “Trump taxes.”
The repeated emphasis on the Epstein files is a reminder of the ongoing political tensions. The demand for transparency is loud and clear.