President Trump has doubled down on his controversial tariffs, taking aim at a host of countries for “ripping off” America.
Speaking from the Oval Office, the US President criticised Canada and Mexico once more before setting his sights on the European Union (EU).
Trump yesterday announced he will be suspending some Canada and Mexico tariffs until next month, leading some to question whether the plan will be quashed completely should certain agreements be reached.
The president appeared to be in no mood to dampen his hardened stance towards both countries, and even extended his ire to India and the EU.
President Trump said the Biden Administration let other countries run rampant over America
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“We have to cut down trees to build firewalls”, he told reporters.
“Canada has been ripping us off for years on tariffs, on dairy and lumber. 250 per cent tariffs, which is taking advantage of our farmers - so that is not going to happen anymore.
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“It will be met with the exact same tariff unless they drop it, that’s reciprocal. It’s not fair and it never has been. Our country has been ripped off by everybody and that stops now.
“That stopped in our first term but we’re really going to now because it’s really unfair. Our country from an economic and trade standpoint has been ripped off by almost every country in the world.
“Canada, Mexico, India - you can’t even sell anything in India, it’s restrictive. They want to cut their tariffs way down now because they’re being exposed.
“The EU has been a terrible abuser. The EU was formulated to take advantage of the United States and they have done.
Ursula von der Leyen is the president of the EU Commission
GETTY“We need business back into our country from a job standpoint and an economic standpoint.”
The sweeping 25 per cent tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada will now be suspended until next month, Trump announced yesterday.
Exemptions apply to goods covered under the USMCA trade agreement - accounting for around half of Mexico’s imports to the US, and less of Canada’s.
Trump has suggested reciprocal tariffs against other countries could be imposed.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum thanked Trump for the pause, saying the two countries will “continue to work together” to combat fentanyl crossing the border.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken in less glowing terms of the president, saying he had a “colourful” chat with Trump over the phone after accusing him of wanting to collapse the country’s economy.
