U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters on Air Force One that he planned to announce on Monday a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S.
Trump in his first administration had also imposed a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum, though he lifted them on Canada and Mexico the following year.
According to CNN, Canada and Mexico are the largest and third largest exporters of steel to the United States, respectively. Canada accounts for nearly a quarter of steel imported by American businesses by weight, while Mexico accounts for about 12%, according to government data provided by the American Iron and Steel Institute.
The President said he planned to hold a news conference on Tuesday or Wednesday to announce reciprocal tariffs on other countries’ tariffs on US.
MEANWHILE, the BBC reported that in an interview with Fox News during a pre-game broadcast leading up to Sunday’s Super Bowl, Trump said he was not satisfied with actions taken by Mexico and Canada on illegal drugs and border crossings.
Trump said: “No, it’s not good enough. Something has to happen, it’s not sustainable.”
Also, Trump said he was serious about his proposal to turn Canada into the 51st US state.
“I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state, because we lose $200bn a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen. It’s too much,” he said. “Now, if they’re a 51st state, I don’t mind doing it.”
The figure of $200bn is said to include both defence spending and the US trade deficit.
Mark Carney, who is expected to win the Liberal leadership contest, hit back, stating: “What about “No, never” doesn’t he understand? No, we will never give in to a bully. Canada will always be the True North, Strong and Free.”