US President Donald Trump on Monday said that "there is no room left for Mexico or Canada", confirming that a 25% tariff on imports will take effect Tuesday. The move has reignited trade war fears and crushed hopes for a last-minute deal with America's key trading partners.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, President Trump said: "Tomorrow - tariffs 25% on Canada and 25% on Mexico will start."
'There is no room left for Mexico or Canada'
Initially, Trump had granted a one-month pause in February after both countries pledged concessions. However, on Monday, he made it clear that no further exemptions would be granted.
"There is no room left for Mexico or Canada," he stated firmly. The tariffs are all set and are going to effect tomorrow," he added.
20% tariff on Chinese imports
Trump also signed an order increasing a previously imposed 10% tariff on Chinese imports to 20%, the White House announced.
The decision, set to take effect the same day, was attributed to what the administration described as Beijing's failure to combat the illicit fentanyl trade.
The Republican president imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports on February 1, but temporarily suspended them on February 3 when both nations committed to addressing border-related concerns.
Last week, he announced the suspended tariffs would resume on Tuesday, citing ongoing concerns about substantial illegal drug trafficking, illegal migration and curbing the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl from neighbouring countries into the United States.
Earlier in an effort to prevent broad-ranging duties, Mexico transferred several of its most infamous incarcerated drug lords to US custody last week. Among those extradited was a cartel leader long sought for killing an undercover US agent.
As Trump announced the tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, he also took jibes at Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid the recent blowout.