Yasin Gungor
03 February 2025•Update: 03 February 2025
ISTANBUL
US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his administration is considering imposing tariffs on the European Union and warned Canada and Mexico over trade imbalances and immigration policies.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump criticized longstanding trade practices and vowed to take action to protect US interests.
Asked if he is considering imposing tariffs on any other countries, Trump confirmed that tariffs on the EU are likely, citing an over $300 billion trade deficit.
“It will definitely happen with the European Union,” he said. “They’ve really taken advantage of us...They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they take almost nothing, and we take everything from them.”
He described the EU’s trade practices as “an atrocity” and hinted at imminent action.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline, but it’s going to be pretty soon,” he added.
Asked about retaliatory measures from Canada, Trump did not rule out increasing tariffs.
“Well, it could happen if they do anything,” he said.
As part of the new tariffs announced Saturday, Trump said that duties could increase if the targeted countries retaliate.
Canada announced 25% tariffs on American goods.
He accused Canada of restricting US products, including farm goods and energy, while benefiting from open US markets.
“It’s been a one-way street,” he said. “We subsidize Canada by about $200 billion a year, and for what? We don’t get anything out of it.”
Trump also revealed plans to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican officials on Monday.
“I don’t expect anything very dramatic,” he said. “We put tariffs on; they owe us a lot of money, and I’m sure they’re going to pay.”
He emphasized the need for Canada and Mexico to address trade imbalances and curb illegal immigration.
“They have to balance out their trade numbers,” he said. “They’ve got to stop people from pouring into our country.”
Trump also linked trade policies to drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
“We have to stop fentanyl,” he said. “If they don’t stop it, the tariffs are going to get worse—a lot worse.”
He acknowledged potential short-term economic pain but argued that long-term gains would outweigh the costs.
“We’ve been helping everybody for years and...I don’t think they appreciate it,” he said. “We’re going to change that fast and make America great again.”
On Saturday, Trump signed an executive order that imposes 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico which take effect at 12.01 a.m. (0501GMT) Tuesday. He also announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
