BREAKING: White House says tariffs on Canada still set for February 1, refuting earlier report

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Donald Trump remains committed to imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China starting on Saturday, contrary to unnamed sources cited by Reuters who said the measure could be delayed until March 1.

Tariffs on Canadian goods heading to the United States are still set to begin February 1, according to the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters President Donald Trump remained committed to the imposition of tariffs on Canada — along with Mexico and China — starting Saturday, countering an earlier report from Reuters that suggested the tariffs may be delayed until March 1.

“Starting tomorrow, those tariffs will be in place,” Leavitt said. “At this point, the president has made it very clear: those tariffs are going to be implemented and in effect. If the president, at any time, decides to roll back those tariffs, I'll leave it to him to make that decision.”

Prior to Leavitt's remarks, Reuters cited unnamed sources who said the tariffs would be delayed by a month.

The sources, who asked not to be named because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said they did not have details on a final tariff rate, but noted Trump has consistently said that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from the two countries on Saturday,” the report reads.

“Separately, an administration official said Trump on Friday was reviewing tariff plans, which may allow for some exemptions. Still, any exemptions would be 'few and far between,' the official said.”

On Thursday, President Trump stated that Canadian oil may be exempted from tariffs — removing a large bargaining chip that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has attempted to wield during the dispute, further fuelling divisions between the federal government and Alberta.

Premier Danielle Smith previously warned of a potential national unity crisis in response to Trudeau threatening to use Alberta's natural resources as a negotiation tool against the U.S.

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  • Stephen Eisenberg
    commented 2025-02-01 04:27:47 -0500
    Most of the $300 billion trade imbalance Trump talks about is mostly from the US buying discounted Canadian oil. How about we now sell our oil at the world/OPEC rate, which would be about $15 higher per barrel. I’m certain the US consumer will appreciate that. Since we essentially sell only to the US due to Baby Doc Trudeau’s “wisdom”, tack on a 25% export fee paid by the recipient. A $500 billion trade deficit in our favour?
  • Bruce Atchison
    commented 2025-01-31 17:08:56 -0500
    Trudeau and his filthy-rich cronies don’t care about how tariffs will hurt citizens. It’s just part of their political game. We need leaders who realize that we employ them. So let’s hope Pierre Poilievre keeps his promises and acts boldly.