Donald Trump is ready to lift duties on steel for Canada and Mexico on certain conditions

US President Donald Trump said on Twitter that only the signing of a "new and fair" free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico (NAFTA) can guarantee the two countries will be exempted from import duties on steel and aluminum.

“We have a large trade deficit with Mexico and Canada,” Trump tweeted. “The NAFTA region has become an example of the massive movement of companies and jobs. Tariffs for steel and aluminum will be canceled only if a new and fair free trade agreement with NAFTA is signed. "

In addition, Trump wants Canada to "treat our farmers better," and Mexico must "do a lot more to stop the flow of drugs into the US," because "they are not doing what they should."

Trump announced late last week that he would impose 25% duties on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports. However, he did not specify whether the decision would concern imports from Canada and Mexico. Canadian government officials said Friday that due to deep integration of the markets of both countries, Canada will seek to free itself from the new tariffs.

At Washington's initiative, the United States, Canada and Mexico are currently renegotiating the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The seventh round of talks began on February 25 in the Mexican capital and is expected to last until March 6. The eighth is scheduled for March in Washington.

Meanwhile, in Mexico on March 30, the presidential election campaign will begin, which is scheduled for July 1.