US President Donald Trump reiterates March 4 tariffs, still seeking Ukraine deal

United States (US) President Donald Trump hit social media on Thursday, taking to the streets of X (nee Twitter) to inform global markets that his planned 25% tariff package aimed at Mexico and Canada will now be coming into effect on March 4, rather than the April 2 date he reaffirmed just hours earlier. President Trump also informed markets that he plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods on that date.

At the same time, White House officials primed the pump on additional "reciprocal tariff" packages that are also in the pipeline aimed at a wide swath of countries, which will likely expand to include the UK and the European Union in general. More statements from President Trump are expected throughout the day.

Donald Trump followed up with a pivot to focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Trump is keen to rush to the table and secure a "rare earths" deal with Ukraine in order to secure some form of securitized peace in the region, especially after Donald Trump went out of his way to refer to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator". President Trump is also likely in a rush to finalize a deal with Ukraine after it was revealed this week that the European Union has its own offer for a rare earths deal with the Ukraine on the table.

Key highlights

Trump: Mexico and Canada tariffs on March 4. China to also be charged an additional 10% tariff on that date.

April 2 reciprocal tariff date remains in full force.

Trump admin official: trade to be part of Trump-Starmer discussions; the US wants reciprocal, equal trade with the UK.

I'm not seeing progress on drug flows.

April 2nd is reciprocal tariff date.

Canada should be stopping much more fentanyl.

China tariffs would be additional 10%.

Trump criticizes EU VAT taxes.

We don't like the way the EU is treating our businesses.

We will have reciprocal tariffs on the EU.

EU is tough with the US with trade.

Asked if there will be sanctions on the UK: I will have to take a look.

We are going to have a deal done with UK on trade rather quickly.

Tariffs are not about inflation but about fairness.

More Trump:

Will discuss Russia and Ukraine with UK's PM Starmer.

Zelenskiy is coming on Friday morning.

Having the rare earth deal will be a backstop for Ukraine.

We're very well advanced on the deal, deal not done yet.

I have had very good talks with Russia and Ukraine.

Russia has been acting very well, we are well advanced on a peace deal.

I don't think Putin would invade again if there is a peace deal with Ukraine.