Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 25: Former US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that the 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will take effect as scheduled next month, despite ongoing negotiations. Addressing a press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump justified the move, citing long-standing trade imbalances.

“We’re on time with the tariffs, and it seems like that’s moving along very rapidly,” Trump stated, adding that the US has been “mistreated” by many countries, not just Canada and Mexico.

The March 4 deadline looms as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo remains optimistic about reaching an agreement, expressing willingness to speak directly with Trump if necessary.

Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico have ramped up border security amid concerns that the tariffs could exacerbate inflation and disrupt North American trade.

Trump has repeatedly criticized high tariffs imposed by other nations, including India, and has vowed to introduce reciprocal tariffs. His latest policy also includes a 25% flat tariff on steel and aluminium imports, set to take effect on March 12, eliminating previous exemptions for Canada and Mexico.

With escalating tensions, the tariff impositions are expected to play a crucial role in US trade negotiations, particularly regarding illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling, as per reports from AP and Reuters.