Trump was asked whether Canada and Mexico had done enough to avoid the 25% US duties on imports of goods to which he responded, “The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule.” (File Image)US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the trade tariffs announced earlier against Canadian and Mexican imports will be levied “on time and on schedule” despite efforts by both countries to restrict the flow of fentanyl into the US and tighten up the border security.With the March 4 deadline looming, Trump was asked whether Canada and Mexico had done enough to avoid the 25% US duties on imports of goods to which he responded, “The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule.” The US president spoke during a joint press briefing with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.After Trump delayed the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico’s $918 billion worth of US imports earlier this month, it was largely believed that the two countries would be able to persuade the Trump administration to further delay the imposition of tariffs which are bound to affect industries from auto to energy.Also Read | After China, Mexico and Canada, why Trump hinted at using tariffs against European UnionThe tariffs on Mexico and Canada would also take a toll on the integrated North American economy, with the automotive sector hit particularly hard.“We’re on time with the tariffs, and it seems like that’s moving along very rapidly,” the US president said at the White House without specifically mentioning the March 4 deadline. Trump then stated about the reciprocal tariffs to match the duty rates and offset the trade barriers of all countries.Also Read | US President Trump will impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China from Saturday, White House saysCanada and Mexico took steps to tighten up vigil at the border and take measures to restrict the flow of fentanyl in the US which brought them a reprieve from the tariffs for over a month but the deadline again looms large.Canada had appointed a fentanyl czar, senior intelligence official Kevin Brosseau, this month who would coordinate the fight against smuggling of the deadly opioid. While Mexico began deploying about 10,000 national guard troops to its northern border.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:donald trumpimport tariff