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Trump announces when tariffs will be imposed on Mexico and Canada as he proposes even tougher trade actions

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Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that he is considering a tariff of 25 targeting Canada and Mexico, the US's closest neighbors and trading partners.

Within hours of taking office, President Donald Trump has once again signaled his intention to reshape international trade, announcing his plan to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico within the next eleven days.

During a free press conference with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that he is considering a 25 percent tariff aimed at the United States’ closest neighbors and trading partners.

The announcement has sparked widespread attention as the administration considers a dramatic shift in North American trade relations.

Initially promised as a priority for his first day in office, the tariffs now appear to go into effect on February 1.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Trump noted during the news conference in the Oval Office.

The slight delay is being described by analysts as a “short reprieve,” giving businesses and trading partners a short period to brace for the potential economic fallout.

The proposed 25 percent tariff would mark a significant escalation in trade tensions and could impact a wide range of industries, from agriculture to automotive.

“We must put America first,” Trump declared, underscoring his government’s commitment to protecting domestic jobs and industries, but Canadian ministers said Monday that Canada will be prepared to retaliate in response.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated that he is considering a tariff of 25 targeting Canada and Mexico, the US’s closest neighbors and trading partners.

Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that Canada must take Trump's tariff threat seriously. Trudeau resigned earlier this month. He is pictured with Trump in November

Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that Canada must take Trump’s tariff threat seriously. Trudeau resigned earlier this month. He is pictured with Trump in November

Mexico will also be subject to 25 percent tariffs on goods imported into the US. Pictured Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum

Mexico will also be subject to 25 percent tariffs on goods imported into the US. Pictured Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said they “will continue to work to prevent tariffs,” but said they are also “working on retaliation.”

Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Trump could be unpredictable.

“None of this should be a surprise,” he said. “Our country is absolutely prepared to respond to any of these scenarios.

“It would be a mistake for the U.S. government to continue to impose tariffs, in terms of the cost of living in the United States, in terms of jobs in the United States and the security of supply chains,” LeBlanc added .

Canadian leaders previously expressed relief that no tariffs were imposed on Trump’s first day in office.

Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world and 75 percent of Canadian exports, including cars and parts, go to the US.

Canada is the main export destination for 36 US states. Nearly $2.7 billion worth of goods and services cross the border every day.

Canada and Mexico, as part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), have long had relatively open trade with the US.

On Monday, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada

On Monday, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada “will continue to work to prevent tariffs,” but said they are also “working to avoid retaliation.”

Trump’s proposal marks a sharp departure from this cooperative framework and raises questions about the future of North American trade.

When asked about tariffs on China, Trump pointed out that the duties he imposed the first time as president are still in effect.

Unsurprisingly, Trump’s proposal has drawn both sharp criticism and fervent support.

Opponents argue that imposing such tariffs could backfire, raising costs for U.S. consumers and businesses and straining diplomatic relations.

However, advocates are praising the move as a bold move to protect U.S. interests and assert economic sovereignty.

As the February 1 deadline approaches, businesses across North America are preparing for the potential impact.

Industry leaders are urging the government to clarify its intentions and provide guidance on how the tariffs will be implemented.

Canadian Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc spoke to reporters Monday during a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello in Montebello, Quebec.

Canadian Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc spoke to reporters Monday during a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello in Montebello, Quebec.

Meanwhile, trade talks are only expected to intensify as Canada and Mexico try to avert a potential trade conflict.

The proposed tariffs threaten to spark a trade war with serious consequences for both economies.

Last month, Trudeau issued a stern warning that Canada needed to take Trump’s tariff threat seriously.

“One of the things that’s really important to understand is that when Donald Trump makes statements like this, he intends to carry them out,” Trudeau said. according to the Globe and Mail. “There’s no doubt about it.”

“Our responsibility is to point out that in this way he would not only harm Canadians who work so well with the United States, but also raise prices for American citizens and harm American industry and businesses.” Trudeau added.

Trump recently argued, “Canadians want Canada to be the 51st state.” When Trump made the same comment to Trudeau at a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in late November, there was reportedly a burst of laughter.

Trudeau had dinner with Trump last November, both of them said it was “very productive,” sources said Trump couldn’t resist making a joke at his counterpart, who he named ‘governor’ of the ‘Great State of Canada.’

Earlier this month, Trudeau announced his resignation after nearly a decade in power.

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seen at a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello, Quebec, on Monday

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seen at a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello, Quebec, on Monday

When the pair met at Trump’s club in the fall, they discussed his threats to impose a punitive 25% tariff on all Canadian goods if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs into the United States. States – even though far fewer of each enter the US from Canada than from Mexico.

His suggestion raised eyebrows in Canada’s capital Ottawa, where critics have described the comments as demeaning and a not-so-subtle threat.

Trump has repeatedly referred to Trudeau as the governor of Canada in social media posts – a title used by the leaders of the 50 US states.

“Canada will not become part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by throwing Canada off balance, especially given Canada’s precarious current political climate,” says Stephen Farnsworth, a politician. science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, said at the time.

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