U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on April 2 during a press conference on the 9th (local time), but did not agree with the potential risk of an economic recession triggered by a trade war due to the tariff imposition.
During an interview with Fox News aired that day, Trump was asked about the one-month exemption for auto companies after implementing a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, he stated, "Reciprocal tariffs will be imposed on April 2," adding that the one-month grace allowed for Canada and Mexico is "just a little breather."
Earlier, Trump announced in February that he would impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico. However, a day before the tariff imposition, he decided on a one-month exemption, and then imposed the tariff on the 4th. But a day later, on the 5th, he decided to exempt auto companies from the tariff for one month, and on the 6th, he agreed to suspend tariffs on products and services under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April. However, on the 7th, he threatened new tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy products. These tariffs could take effect on the 10th, local time.
Trump said, "I wanted to help U.S. auto companies until April 2," and added, "From April 2, everything will be reciprocal." When asked what auto companies should do during the one-month tariff exemption period, he responded, "Until April, it's a transition period, and after that, there will be no more exceptions. I told the auto industry that this will be the only time."
Trump explained the reason for the one-month tariff exemption on products and services under the USMCA, saying, "I wanted to help Mexico and Canada to a certain extent," and continued, "We are a very big country and they do a lot of business with us. On the other hand, Mexico and Canada are less important for the United States."
Trump has frequently changed tariff measures. When asked if this could give the industry a clear sense of direction, he noted, "I think so," adding, "Tariffs can go up over time, and they probably will." When questioned whether there could be further changes after the reciprocal tariffs on April 2, he stated, "Some tariffs will probably go up depending on the situation," and added, "I don't think they will go down."
There was also a question about whether he anticipates a recession this year. In response, Trump said, "I dislike predicting things like that," and added, "There is a transition in these matters. What we are doing is a big deal of bringing wealth back to America, and this (creating results) takes a little time."