Trump in response to a reporter’s question said the administration was considering imposing tariffs of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada as soon as Feb. 1. The moves, if implemented, would kickstart a long-expected trade war between the three countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he was thinking of imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico because they were allowing many people to cross the border as well as fentanyl.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump did not immediately impose tariffs on Monday (Jan 20) as previously promised but said he was thinking about imposing 25 per cent duties on imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb 1 over illegal immigrants and fentanyl crossing into the US.

President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada as soon as February 1. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump suggested levies of 25%, citing concerns over border security and trade imbalances. We’re thinking in terms of 25% (levies) on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing a vast number of people over the border.

President Donald Trump said he planned to enact previously threatened tariffs of as much as 25% on Mexico and Canada by Feb. 1, reiterating his contention that America’s two immediate neighbors are allowing the flow of undocumented migrants and drugs into the country.

Trump was quoted saying his team was thinking of tariffs around 25% which could be announced on Feb. 1 but offered no other specifics.