President Donald Trump said tariffs scheduled for next month on Canada and Mexico are on track and going ahead as usual, although US officials have said the exact date is still uncertain.
Previously, the United States had put its tariffs on hold until March 4 while implementing new border measures on Canada and Mexico in an effort to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and illegal drugs like fentanyl.
Donald said the tariffs are on schedule, on schedule.
The fate of the special 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico now depends on border security demands and an executive order of reciprocal tariffs on all countries that would pose barriers to US imports.
The US president has already put a 10% tariff on imports from China and a tariff on aluminum steel scheduled to take effect in March.
His administration has insisted that the tariff measures it introduced can stimulate new investment in the US and be a significant source of revenue for the government. The move comes as Congress is considering legislative reforms and further tax cuts.
However, economists warn that the tariff hikes could increase inflation, an issue that played a big role in Trump's election victory.
They are also wary of the long-term impact, questioning whether the tariffs will actually bring the benefits that Trump and his supporters hope.
