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| US President Donald Trump looks on as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US | Photo: Reuters |
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will impose tariffs on goods imported from European Union (EU) countries "very soon."
“They (EU nations) have really taken advantage of us,” Trump said. “They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our agricultural products, almost nothing. Yet, we take millions of cars, vast amounts of food, and agricultural goods from them.”
When asked by the BBC if a specific timeline had been set for the tariffs, Trump responded, “I wouldn’t say there’s a set deadline, but it’s going to happen very soon.”
Trump further stated, “Almost every country in the world has practically cheated the United States. We have trade deficits with nearly every one of them. We are going to change that. What has happened to us is unfair.”
Canada to Take Legal Action
Canada has announced plans to take legal action against the U.S. for imposing tariffs on most Canadian products. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared that Canada will impose a 25% retaliatory tariff on American goods.
Trump reacted by warning that if Canada retaliates, he will further increase tariffs on Canadian products. He accused Canada of mistreating the U.S. for years.
“I love the people of Canada, but I disagree with their leader,” Trump said. “Something is about to happen there. But if they want to play games, no problem—we’re ready to play any game they want.”
Tougher Tariffs on Mexico
Trump also threatened stricter tariffs on Mexico if the country fails to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
“We had good talks with Mexico, but if they don’t stop the fentanyl crisis and the illegal migration into our country, they will face even harsher tariffs,” Trump warned.
He added, “This is, in some ways, retaliatory. Millions of people have entered our country through Mexico and Canada. We won’t let it continue.”