Experts have weighed in on the effects of Donald Trump's new tariffs as he issued a last minute 30-day pause on implementing them.
On Monday, the president announced he would be imposing 25 percent tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, and 10 percent on importations from China.
Meanwhile, imports on oil, natural gas and electricity from Canada would face a 10 percent charge.
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Mexico and Canada retaliated by issuing their own counter-tariffs, as Trump proclaimed that anyone who is against imposing tariffs only feels that way due to being 'controlled by China, or other foreign or domestic companies'.
"Anybody that loves and believes in the United States of America is in favor of Tariffs. They should have never ended, in favor of the Income Tax System, in 1913. The response to Tariffs has been FANTASTIC!," he added on his social media platform Truth Social.
While Trump's enthusiasm for his new policy is clear, last ditch talks have seem him implement a 30-day pause on the tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada.
China's went ahead as planned today, though it hit back just minutes before by announcing plans to slap the US with its own taxes.
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Why is Trump imposing tariffs?
The bold move - which has seemingly triggered a global 'trade war' - all forms part of Trump's efforts to clamp down on immigration and drug trafficking.
According to a government fact sheet, the tariffs aim to 'hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country'.
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"There is growing production of fentanyl in Canada, and enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans," the order claims.
It also goes on to accuse Biden's administration of 'fuelling the worst border crisis in US history'.
The tariffs were supposed to come into effect today (February 4), but last minute talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has seen Trump hit pause on the policy for 30 days.
But if they're implemented at the end of those 30 days, they could have wide-ranging impacts, including on travel and food prices.
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What will happen to travel between the US and Canada?
While the price of travel is unlikely to change during the 30-day delay, if the tariffs are implemented, the cost of travel between the neighbouring countries is expected to rise, and could price out some of those looking to visit.
Last year, a whopping 20.4 million Canadians hopped over to the States to visit, boosting the economy by over $20 billion in spending, making Canada the biggest source of international tourism for the US.
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However, should Trump's tariffs be enforced at the end of the 30 days, the US Travel Association has warned America could lose out on up to two million tourists - with the likes of Florida, California, Nevada, New York and Texas set to be the most affected states as they could see major declines in retail and hospitality.
Prime Minister Trudeau made his stance on the matter clear as he urged citizens to 'choose Canada'.
"Now is the time to choose Canada... It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer," he said.
What else could be going up in price due to Trump's tariffs?
Fruit and veg
The price of an avocado and or a pack of tomatoes may go up due to the Trump's tariffs.
The US purchased over $45 billion in food and farming products from Mexico in 2023 - with almost two-thirds of all imported veg coming from the US' southern neighbor, as well as just under half of all fruits and nuts shipped to the country.
Cell phones
It isn't the first time China has had tariffs placed on goods it's wanting to sell in the US, the only difference now is that smartphones manufactured in the East Asian country will cost 10 percent more to sell them in the States.
Liquor
If you're a fan of tequila or whisky, then you may want to grab your ID and head to your local liquor store because alcohol is among the list of things the US relies heavily on from Mexico and Canada.
According to the trade group Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in 2023 Canada imported the second-most amount of spirits into the US, with Mexico importing the third-most.
Cars and auto parts
Over one in five cars and light trucks sold in the US are reportedly built either side of the US' borders. In 2023, $106 billion worth of motors were shipped into the US from Mexico and Canada - $69 billion from the south, and $37 billion from the north.
Meanwhile, a further $98 billion worth of car parts also came from the two countries - $78 billion from Mexico and $20 billion from Canada.
Popular toy trucks
If you're a parent you may be familiar with Tonka trucks, or you might have even had one as a child yourself.
Unfortunately, they are all manufactured in China - so if you thought they were already an expensive present for your kids, they could soon be a little more costly.
Gasoline and crude oil
In January to November last year, the US' northern neighbor sent $90 billion worth of crude oil to the US, while Mexico shipped $11 billion.
It comes as no surprise that Canada is the largest importer of crude oil into the country, with Mexico in second place.
Tariffs on Canadian oil imports is expected to push up prices of gasoline - with TD Economics suggesting it could cost around 30 to 70 cents more per gallon to fill up your motor.
Topics: Canada, Donald Trump, Politics, Travel, US News, World News
Chloe Rowland