President Donald Trump signaled early plans to use tariffs on imported goods as a key weapon in relations with the United States’ three top trading partners, saying the first new taxes on foreign products could be announced Feb.

On the campaign trail, Mr Trump promised a 10 per cent to 20 per cent charge on all imported goods and 60 per cent on Chinese products. He also vowed a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10 per cent duty on Chinese goods.

China has strengthened trade with Latin America at the expense of the U.S. But Donald Trump, who threatens to raise tariffs on Mexico, could upend those ties.