The United States is preparing to implement tariffs of 25 percent on goods from Mexico and China starting on Saturday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that these duties, along with a 10 percent tariff on Chinese products, will be enforced.
Leavitt explained that the tariffs were a response to the three countries allowing illegal drugs to enter the U.S.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned of a “forceful and immediate response” if the U.S. proceeds with the tariffs.
“No one—on either side of the border—wants to see American tariffs on Canadian goods,” Trudeau posted on X. “I met with our Canada-U.S. Council today.
We’re working hard to prevent these tariffs, but if the United States moves forward, Canada is prepared to respond swiftly and decisively,” he added.
Trump initially aimed to impose the duties on his first day in office, but later set a deadline for February 1.
However, the tariffs could still be avoided through last-minute negotiations.
In his November election campaign, Trump promised to impose high tariffs on foreign goods. During his first term from 2017 to 2021, he had already implemented several such duties.