The United States is set to introduce tariffs of 25 per cent on goods from Mexico and China on Saturday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that the duties and a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese products will take effect.

Leavitt said the tariffs were in response to the three countries allowing illegal drugs to enter the U.S.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned of a “forceful and immediate response” if the U.S. follows through.

“No one – on either side of the border – wants to see American tariffs on Canadian goods,” Trudeau wrote on X.

“I met with our Canada-U.S. Council today. We’re working hard to prevent these tariffs, but if the United States moves ahead, Canada’s ready with a forceful and immediate response,” Mr Trudeau said.

Mr Trump originally wanted to introduce the duties on the first day of his presidency, but he then set a deadline of February 1.

However, the punitive measures could be averted by last-minute negotiations.

Mr Trump won November’s presidential election promising to slap high tariffs on foreign goods. He previously implemented several duties during his first term from 2017 to 2021. (dpa/NAN)