Trump made the statement while signing executive orders at the White House Monday night, citing the the migration of people and fentanyl crossing the borders
President Donald Trump said that he plans to enact across-the-board tariffs of as much as 25 per cent on Canada and Mexico by Feb. 1, reiterating his contention that the U.S.’s two immediate neighbours are allowing the flow of migrants and drugs into the country.
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“We’re thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada, because they’re allowing vast numbers of people,” into the country, Trump said in response to questions from reporters. “I think we’ll do it February 1.”
Trump made the statement while signing executive orders at the White House Monday night, citing the the migration of people and fentanyl crossing the borders.
“Canada’s a very bad abuser,” Trump said.
The date comes after Trump officials, speaking anonymously, suggested to reporters that the Republican president would only sign a memorandum telling federal agencies to study trade issues, including alleged unfair trade and currency practices by Canada, Mexico and China.
Trump also indicated he was still considering a universal tariff on all foreign imports to the U.S., but said he was “not ready for that yet.”
“You’d put a universal tariff on anybody doing business in the United States, because they’re coming in and they’re stealing our wealth,” he said, adding that implementation could be “rapid.”
“We’re going to make a lot of money from tariffs,” Trump said.
In his inauguration speech earlier Monday, Trump did not mention Canada but said he was going to overhaul the trade system to protect American workers and families.
He said he was going to impose tariffs and tax foreign countries to enrich American citizens.
The federal government has several plans ready to deploy in the event Trump moves ahead with imposing tariffs.
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