President Trump kept hopes alive Friday that U.S. would reach a deal with Mexico to end his threat to levy new tariffs on all of its goods starting Monday. The president made the announcement as negotiators from both sides entered their third day of talks in Washington, D.C.
“If we are able to make the deal with Mexico, & there is a good chance that we will, they will begin purchasing Farm & Agricultural products at very high levels, starting immediately. If we are unable to make the deal, Mexico will begin paying Tariffs at the 5% level on Monday!” Trump tweeted.
If we are able to make the deal with Mexico, & there is a good chance that we will, they will begin purchasing Farm & Agricultural products at very high levels, starting immediately. If we are unable to make the deal, Mexico will begin paying Tariffs at the 5% level on Monday!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2019
Earlier on the day, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters, “The meetings have gone well, but we’re still on track for tariffs on Monday.”
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador told reporters Friday he was hopeful, calling it a “good sign” that talks have remained ongoing. “There is dialogue and an agreement can be reached. I’m optimistic we can achieve that.”
López Obrador’s negotiators have reportedly offered to send additional forces to monitor Mexico’s southern border. The majority of migrants crossing the U.S. border are from Central America, passing through Mexico on their way north. U.S. officials are pressing for a more comprehensive solution.
Trump said last week he would place a 5% tariff on all Mexican goods, increasing 5% every month until the “illegal immigration problem is remedied.” Mexico has warned of possible trade retaliation of its own if Trump follows through, with López Obrador having reportedly already having prepared a list of items to hit with tariffs.
Members of Congress have expressed opposition as well. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., announced Thursday that he will introduce a resolution of disapproval if Trump imposes tariffs. That effort may get Republican support, several GOP lawmakers having told Trump he was wrong to link trade and immigration policy.
