Analysis by Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley
Eyes on the Potential for new Trade Agreements and Tariffs
The possibility of new tariffs being placed on imports from Canada, Mexico and potentially China continues to be discussed. While President Trump has floated the idea of a February 1st timeframe for these new tariffs to be leveraged, this week we have not seen any definitive indication this will occur. There has been some speculation, specifically in terms of Canada and Mexico, that the tariffs discussion may be a way to encourage Canada and Mexico to come to the negotiating table earlier on USMCA, which is scheduled for a joint review in 2026.
We did see an immigration dispute with Columbia that was handled using the tariff threat over the weekend. For a short period, the Government of Columbia appeared to deny entry for US military planes to land carrying Columbian deportees who had been arrested for illegally being in the United States. President Trump threatened to levy significant 25% tariffs and VISA sanctions on Columbia to force them to accept the flights. The Government of Columbia quickly relented in their opposition and accepted the flights.
EWTC is closely watching the potential for new tariffs to be enacted and the effects on energy services companies and our supply chain. It also hosts weekly calls from the tariff task force as events dictate. If you are interested in getting the invitation to the next call, please email Maria here.
Tim Tarpley, Energy Workforce President, analyzes federal policy for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
