In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has agreed to temporarily halt tariffs on Mexico and Canada, just hours before they were set to take effect. The pause follows discussions with leaders from both countries, who have pledged to strengthen border security and curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.

The tariffs, announced just days earlier, would have imposed a 25% duty on Mexican imports and a 10% levy on most Canadian goods, with energy products exempted. Trump’s decision to delay the measures came after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum committed to deploying 10,000 troops to the northern border to combat drug trafficking and illegal crossings. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to enhance border security and designate cartels as terrorist organizations.

“These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into our country,” Trump posted on Truth Social, emphasizing the importance of addressing the opioid crisis.

The temporary reprieve has been met with relief by some lawmakers and business leaders, who feared the tariffs could disrupt trade and further inflate consumer prices. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, praised the pause, stating, “Good news on Mexico tariff pause for one month. Hopefully, negotiations will preempt more talk of tariffs.”

However, the move has also raised questions about the long-term impact on trade relations. While the tariffs on Mexico and Canada are on hold, similar measures are still set to take effect on Chinese imports. Economists warn that any new tariffs could lead to higher costs for consumers and potentially weigh on the U.S. economy.

For now, the temporary agreement offers a brief respite, but uncertainty remains. As negotiations continue, businesses and consumers alike will be watching closely to see if a more permanent resolution emerges—or if tariffs will return as a key tool in Trump’s trade policy.