Trump threatens tariffs on Mexican imports over illegal immigration

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President Donald Trump

said on Thursday the United States will impose a 5% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico starting on June 10 until illegal immigration across the southern border is stopped.

Mexico

says would be disastrous if Trump imposes new tariffs.

“The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied, at which time the Tariffs will be removed,” Trump said on Twitter .

In a statement issued by the White House , Trump said the tariff would increase to 10% on July 1 , 15% on August 1 , 20% on September 1 , and to 25% on October 1 .

“ Mexico’s passive cooperation in allowing this mass incursion constitutes an emergency and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States,” Trump said in the statement.

“Mexico has very strong immigration laws and could easily halt the illegal flow of migrants

, including by returning them to their home countries,” he said.

Facing protectionism, Mexico should deepen its commitment to diversify trade relations

sg