The markets (and the world) on the edge as the deadline of Trump tariffs approaches

President Trump president is self -sourcesing on February 1 to A first round of rates In Canada, Mexico and China close in just hours as economic observers and world leaders try to plan in the midst of uncertainty.

On Thursday afternoon, Trump reiterated his plans to put a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, repeating his warning against the two main commercial partners of the United States. But even then, he joined the uncertainty saying that some provisions, specifically those that surround oil, remain undecided.

On Friday, Reuters reported that Trump is weighing a rate plan that includes a delay in implementation For a month, until March 1, even when there are no final decisions.

The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, immediately denied the report on Friday afternoon, describing it as “false” and reaffirming that the president is committed to advancing with 25% tariffs on Saturday.

“At this point, the president has made it very clear that these rates will be implemented and, in effect, if the president at some point decides to reverse those rates, I will let him make that decision. But from tomorrow, those rates will be in their place. “

It was the last of a series of comments and private signals this week that offered little clarity and left many in waiting and view mode.

Trump has constantly promised that tariffs approach rapid A real possibility.

Meanwhile, leaders in Canada and Mexico have expressed confusion and frustration about what they can do, since Trump has cited illegal migration and fentanyl issues such as the justification of the rates that will arrive as soon as Saturday.

Matthew Holmes, from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, weighed on Thursday night, calling any tariff to lose.

“We will continue working with partners to show President Trump and Americans that this does not make life more affordable,” he said. “It makes life more expensive and sends our integrated businesses fighting.”

Washington DC, United States - January 30: the president of the United States, Donald Trump, talks about the accident in the air between American Airlines and a military helicopter in the White House in Washington DC, United States on January 30, 2025 . — President Donald Trump talks to journalists on Thursday at the White House on Thursday about the air accident between American Airlines and a military helicopter in Washington. (Celal Gunes /Anadolu through Getty Images) · Anadolu through Getty Images

Uncertainty could already be wearing commercial decisions, according to Kevin Gordon by Charles Schwab, citing the effects of last weekend 10 -hour trade war with Colombia That ended as fast as it started.

“That nature of policy formulation is what makes companies take a step back and stop their expenses,” he said during a live Conversation about Yahoo Finance.

The last round of Trump’s commercial tensions in 2018 and 2019 also saw slow commercial spending, he added.

China could also be online for 10% tasks this weekend. Trump told reporters on Friday: “We are in the process of doing so,” but added some uncertainty about the exact moment.

“We will make that determination when it will be,” he said.

The immediate term problems in Canada, Mexico and China occur while the president continues a variety of other tariff threats that have spread throughout the world. Thursday, Trump offered a new threat Against the so -called BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and others) for 100% duties on monetary issues.

Each statement of the Trump administration has been observed closely this week. The nominated for the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, even recently offered material for both sides of the debate.

Lutnick, who is scheduled to be Trump’s main commercial official if he is confirmed, He began his Senate Confirmation Hearing on Wednesday In saying that he preferred the tasks of “through” and summoned specifically why he believes they are preferable when it comes to countries like Mexico.

But later, in response to a different question, he recalled that the Trump administration has a clear ramp outside the ramp out of time, which calls for possible duties of this weekend “separated” from the general plans.

He also said that if places like Mexico take measures to close their border so that firm migration and illegal drugs, at least for now, “there will be no tariffs.”

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, listens to a question during her daily press conference at the National Palace of Mexico on January 28, 2025. (Photo by Alfredo Estrella / AFP) (Photo by Alfredo Estrella / AFP through Getty Images ) — The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, during a press conference at the National Palace of Mexico City on January 28. (Alfredo Estrella/AFP through Getty Images) · Alfredo Estrella through Getty Images

Another round trip arrived on Monday Following a Financial Times report that just confirmed The Treasury Secretary, Scott Besent, is pressing a friendly market plan that could see that Trump’s plan for universal rates begins at a lower level of 2.5% and then gradually increases.

But Trump himself immediately poured cold water on the idea When he talks to journalists on Air Force One.

The lack of clarity has left a wide range of officials, from the president of the FED, Jerome Powell, to the president of Mexico, in waiting and seeing mode.

“We will be watching carefully,” Powell offered on Wednesday. The central banker added that the range of possibilities remains “very, very broad” and that it is not yet known precisely how American consumers would be filtered.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was asked about 25% of tariffs in her country this week and offered: “We do not expect it to happen … but if so, we have our plan.”

Similarly, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, warned Wednesday that his government is preparing a strong response if the United States imposes tariffs on their nation.

Economists have projected that Trump in the future with their rates plans for the two nations in their entirety, and keeping them in their place, could push both of a recession.

As for the markets and economy of the United States, the United States economist of Deutsche Bank Matthew Luzzetti offered in a live interview with Yahoo Finance On Thursday that Trump advances in Canada and Mexico “will tend to the growth of the pue, but would also raise the inflationary pressures this year.”

“They are in waiting mode,” he added about Powell and the possible monetary policy measures of the Fed to counteract the tasks.

This publication has been updated with additional developments.

Ben Werschkul is Washington’s correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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