US President Donald Trump will impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting on Saturday, the White House confirmed on Friday afternoon.
This followed a report from Reuters that the tariffs would not be introduced with a process for countries to seek exemptions for certain imports until March 1.
“25% tariffs on Mexico, 25% tariffs on Canada, and a 10% tariff on China for the illegal fentanyl that they have sent to our country, which has killed 10s of millions of Americans,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Speaking earlier from the Oval Office, Trump said the tariffs aim to tackle undocumented migration, fentanyl smuggling, and trade imbalances with Canada and Mexico.
He also reiterated plans to impose new tariffs on China, citing its role in the US opioid crisis. "China is going to end up paying a tariff also for that, and we're in the process of doing that," he said.
During his election campaign, Trump threatened tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods but has so far delayed action, ordering a review instead.
Canada and Mexico have warned they will retaliate if US tariffs are enforced. Taxing imported oil could also drive up energy costs, potentially impacting fuel and grocery prices.
"No one — on either side of the border — wants to see American tariffs on Canadian goods," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a post on the social media platform X.
"I met with our Canada-US Council today. We’re working hard to prevent these tariffs, but if the United States moves ahead, Canada’s ready with a forceful and immediate response."