U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose 35-per-cent tariffs on imports from Canada starting Aug 1, upping pressure on Ottawa as it seeks to secure a deal with the White House in the coming weeks.

In a letter posted on his website Truth Social on Thursday evening, Mr. Trump said he would increase the tariffs that were imposed on Canada in March and currently stand at 25 per cent, with notable carve outs. Mr. Trump justified the levies – which don’t apply to goods that comply with continental free trade agreement rules – as an effort to force Canada to do more to address U.S complaints about fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will impose 25 per cent tariffs on Japan and South Korea starting on Aug. 1, ramping up pressure on both countries to reach an agreement with the United States.  

Mr. Trump made the announcement in two letters posted on his social media website Truth Social, shortly after noon on Monday.