United States President Donald Trump has revealed his plans to target goods from China with new 10% Tariffs, a new front in the US president’s expanding trade conflict.
Imports from China are already subject to a minimum tariff of 10% at the US border, after a Trump tariffs order that went into effect earlier this month.
In the latest, Trump also confirmed on Thursday his intentions to move forward with 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, starting from March 4.
These comments came as officials from both Canada and Mexico were in Washington to head off the plan.
Trump announced these tariffs on February 4 before, however paused that at last minute for a month after the two countries agreed to increase border security and talk more about how to combat drug trafficking
On Thursday, President Trump expressed his concerns on social media about insufficient actions to address the influx of fentanyl into US.
“Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels,” Trump said, adding that “a large percentage” of the drugs were made in China.
Mexican President in response said at a press conference that Trump has his way of communicating.
“I hope we can reach an agreement and on 4 march we can announce something else”, she added.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also cleared that his country is pushing for a deal, but warned that if the US imposes tariffs, Canada will respond swiftly and firmly
Threats against Mexico and Canada
Trumps Tariff threats against Mexico and Canada have sparked intense concerns.
North American economy is closely linked with US economy after for years they operated under a free trade agreement.
Both countries leaders earlier warned Trump of retaliatory tariffs on US.
China, Mexico and Canada account more than 40% of imports into US and are among American’s top trade partner.
Additionally, Trump has called for 10% levy on Chinese goods, which he announced would also go into effect on Tuesday.
During his election campaigns, he supported the idea of border taxes up to 60% on Chinese products.
