'We've Been Mistreated': Trump Warns US 'On Time with Tariffs' on Canada and Mexico

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Monday reasserted his plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will go ahead as scheduled next month (by March 4), as per media reports.

Speaking at the White House, the US President said tariffs would be implemented on schedule despite potential economic consequences. He criticised countries like Canada, Mexico and others for mistreating the US, calling it an "abuse."

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"We're on time with the tariffs, and it seems like that’s moving along very rapidly. We have been mistreated by many countries, not just Canada and Mexico and have been taken advantage of," he said.

“Tariffs are going forward on time and on schedule,” he added.

This announcement by the US President was made during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently visiting the US.

'Tariffs Will Go Forward': Impact on North American Economies

Trump's tariffs are expected to impact both Canadian and Mexican economies, which have already strengthened border security in response. These measures could contribute to rising inflation and strain the economies of North America. The US president reiterated that the tariffs are part of a 'reciprocal trade policy' aimed at ensuring fair treatment for the United States.

"Tariffs will go forward. Yes, we will make up a lot of territory. All we want is reciprocal, we want reciprocity. So if someone charges us we charge them, it is very simple. It will be very good for our country. Our country will be extremely liquid and rich again,” Trump said.

Also read | Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Will Overturn Decades of Trade Policy

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo expressed optimism about reaching a deal with the US before the March 4 deadline. She indicated that communication with the US was ongoing and that Mexico could reach an agreement on key issues. She also suggested the possibility of directly speaking with Trump if necessary to finalize the deal.

Trump’s Broader Tariff Plans

The 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports were initially planned for February but were delayed for one month until March 4. Trump's tariff measures aim to address concerns over illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl into the US, alongside broader trade imbalances.

In addition to the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Trump has imposed a 10 per cent duty on all Chinese imports, further escalating tensions in global trade. The president has also imposed steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, including rescinding exemptions for Canada and Mexico. These tariffs, which include increases for hundreds of steel products, are set to take effect on March 12, a week after the border tariffs.

After Canada and Mexico, Trump is also planning to impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports, following a similar approach.