Feb. 27 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that 25% tariffs will go into effect on goods made by its two largest trading partners Canada and Mexico on March 4, ending days of speculation that they may be delayed again.
After mentioning during his cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the tariffs could possibly be delayed until April, Trump left no room for doubt in a Truth Social post, pointing to the continued flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
"We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA, and therefore, until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed tariffs scheduled to go into effect on March 4 will, indeed, go into effect as scheduled," Trump said on the platform.
"China will likewise be charged an additional 10% tariff on that date. The April 2 reciprocal tariff date will remain in full force and effect."
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Trump blamed Canada and Mexico for allowing drugs to cross into the United States at a "very high and unacceptable levels." He said while Canada and Mexico are providing the pathway, China is responsible for supplying them.
"Millions of people have died over the last two decades," Trump said. "The families of the victims are devastated and, in many instances, virtually destroyed."
China faces 10% tariffs on top of previous penalties. China is responding with retaliatory tariffs.
During Wednesday's cabinet meeting, Trump added that he is planning to impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union, including "cars and all other things."
"They've really taken advantage of us," Trump told reporters. "They don't accept our cars, they don't accept, essentially, our farm products. They use all sorts of reasons why not. And we accept everything from them."
Trump went on the say that the European Union, which was formed in 1993 as mainly an economic and political entity to leverage the commonality of member states, was created the "screw" the United States.
"That's the purpose of it, and they've done a good job of it," Trump said. "But now, I'm president."
The spokesperson for the European Commission, an arm of the European Union, said the body has made it easier for U.S. businesses to operate and has been a net plus for the country.
"It has been a boon for the United States," the spokesperson told BBC News. "We're ready to partner if you play by the rules. But we will also protect our consumers and businesses at every turn. They expect no less from us."
The European Union said it would respond quickly to new U.S. tariffs, possibly sparking a trade war between them.
