China has strengthened trade with Latin America at the expense of the U.S. But Donald Trump, who threatens to raise tariffs on Mexico, could upend those ties.

Trump in response to a reporter’s question said the administration was considering imposing tariffs of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada as soon as Feb. 1. The moves, if implemented, would kickstart a long-expected trade war between the three countries.

President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada as soon as February 1. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump suggested levies of 25%, citing concerns over border security and trade imbalances.

President Donald Trump said Monday that he expects to put 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on Feb. 1, while declining to flesh out his plans for taxing Chinese imports.

President Donald Trump stopped short of imposing tariffs on Canada on day one but said they may come as soon as 1 February.

After US President Donald Trump declined to impose tariffs on his first day back in power, officials in the Canadian government expressed caution, saying the fight against US protectionism is far from over.

Canadian leaders expressed relief Monday that broad tariffs were not applied to Canadian products on the first day of Donald Trump's presidency, but Trump later said he could impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico on Feb.