U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he was thinking of imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico because they were allowing many people to cross the border as well as fentanyl.

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.

On the campaign trail, Mr Trump promised a 10 per cent to 20 per cent charge on all imported goods and 60 per cent on Chinese products. He also vowed a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10 per cent duty on Chinese goods.