8 Mar 2018
Quick notes on Trump to sign Section 232 Proclamations on steel and aluminium imports
So, just as we wait to hear the exact details of Trump tariffs when he is said to sign Section 232 Proclamations on steel and aluminium imports at 20:30 GMT, here are some quick notes on what details have come through so far:
- We can forget about the RRTS report from yesterday that Canada and Mexico will be given a 30-day waiver on steel and aluminium tariffs that could be extended based on the progress of NAFTA talks.
- Instead, AP reports that Mexico & Canada Exempted Indefinitely." All countries are being invited to negotiate exclusions from new US trade penalties on imported steel, aluminium," the news read.
- We heard from Mexico's EconMin Guajard just before that news leak who is willing spend "as much time as necessary" to resolve NAFTA negotiations successfully," that he won’t allow US tariff proposals to pressure NAFT talks. ""This has nothing to do with the [NAFTA] negotiations, he said, and "under no circumstance will we be subject to any type of pressure. Mexico will not be leaving the treaty," Guajardo said. "NAFTA exists between three countries. The others are deciding whether they stay or leave, not Mexico."
- However, the leaks come from those who have been briefed on the plans say the exclusion for Canada and Mexico could be ended if talks stall to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.