White House announces tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico starting February 4
The White House commented on tariffs on goods from Canada, China, and Mexico (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The White House has announced that US President Donald Trump has ordered the introduction of a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on goods from China, starting February 4. These tariffs will remain in effect until the national emergency in the US is lifted, reports Reuters.
The US will impose a 10% tariff on energy products from Canada but a full 25% on imported Mexican energy resources, Trump administration officials told reporters.
According to a White House bulletin on the tariffs, they will remain in effect until the crisis subsides. However, the document does not specify what actions the three countries must take to qualify for an exemption.
White House officials stated that no exceptions to the tariffs will be granted.
Moreover, the Trump administration announced that in Canada's case, the US will revoke the de minimis tariff exemption for small shipments valued at less than $800.
According to Trump's written order, tariff collection will begin on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (05:01 GMT). However, imported goods that were loaded onto a ship or final transit mode before entering the US by 12:01 a.m. on Saturday will be exempt from the tariffs.
US tariffs can ignite trade wars
Before that, Trump set a February 1 deadline to push for decisive action to halt the flow of the opioid fentanyl and its chemical precursors into the US from China via Mexico and Canada, as well as to curb the influx of illegal immigrants crossing US borders.
These steps continue Trump's repeated threats following his victory in last year's US presidential election. Western media speculate that they could provoke retaliatory measures and risk igniting a trade war that could cause widespread economic disruptions for all involved countries.
The new US president declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act to support the tariffs, granting the head of state broad authority to address crises.
Earlier, CBC reported that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to make a statement soon regarding the US decision to impose a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods starting February 4.
Previously, Trudeau stated that Canada is prepared to respond immediately if Trump implements the 25% tariffs.
