The US tariffs against Canada and Mexico will come into force on Tuesday, but their level will be resolved by Donald Trump, said US Trade Secretary.
The US President has threatened to impose 25% rates, which are tax on imports, on his two neighbors on March 4, in response to what he believes is an unacceptable flow of illegal drugs and migrants in the United States.
Trade Secretary Howard Luni said that on Sunday the tariffs would happen as planned, but the exact details would depend on the negotiations.
A 10% tariff for Chinese imports is expected to be applied in response to US accusations that Beijing is not doing enough to stop the Fentanyl flow in the United States.
This means that if it is put into force, Chinese exports of the United States will face at least 20%, after 10% tariff that has entered into force a month ago.
Chinese state media claims leaders in Beijing have prepared a series of counteractions on the same day, increasing the prospect of a comprehensive trade war between the top two economies in the world.
The Chinese State Global Times has said the oppositions are likely to be targeted at US agricultural and food products.
Analysts believe that Beijing is still hoping to avoid a comprehensive trade war and negotiate a truce with the Trump administration, but so far there have been no sign of a deal between the two economic giants.
Trump has long been maintained that tariffs are a useful tool for correcting trade imbalances and protecting US production.
Speaking on Sunday morning, Fox News Futures, Luni's secretary said: “There will be rates of Mexico and Canada on Tuesday. Exactly what they are, we will leave this to the president and his team to negotiate.”
Canada has repeatedly said that tariffs will hurt the two economies, but added that it would protect itself if it happens.
In recent days, Canadian internal trade minister Anita Anand has met with employees in Washington and said there will be an answer over the weekend.
“We are stable on the steering wheel. We are prepared for any possible, but every turn we will protect our country's economy.” She told CBC News.
Last month, Canada had prepared a list of $ 30 billion (£ 23.6 billion) of American goods, which is said to be imposed in response to US tariffs. The elements on this list included everyday goods such as pasta, clothing and perfume.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it has “increased” its efforts to deal with the passage of fentanyl in the United States.
It is estimated that only 1% of fentanyl seized in the US comes from Canada, according to US data.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday from the Ukraine Summit in London that Canada “is not a problem” as a source of illegal fentanyl in the United States.
The President of Mexico, Claudia Shainbaum, turned out to have sent a message to Trump after an interview with Luni when she said at a public event in the city of Kolima that “Mexico should be respected.”
“Coordination of cooperation (s), yes, submission, never.”
President Trump has also announced a 25% fee for all steel and aluminum imports, which is intended to take effect on March 12.
He also threatened to impose personalized “reciprocal” tariffs for individual countries, as well as 25% tariffs for the European Union.