Washington - President Donald Trump will deliver a speech before Congress today amid rising trade tensions with Canada and Mexico, following Washington's imposition of a 25% tariff on imports from both countries, a move that has provoked strong reactions from Ottawa and Mexico City.

Trump's speech comes after Canada announced countermeasures, including a 25% tariff on American goods worth 155 billion Canadian dollars (107 billion US dollars). The Canadian government also confirmed that these tariffs would be implemented in two phases, with part of them taking effect immediately, while tariffs on the remaining products would be imposed within 21 days, if Washington does not retract its decisions.

In contrast, the Mexican government is holding intensive consultations regarding the steps it will take in response to the American measures, amid expectations of similar economic actions. Observers are concerned that these steps could lead to further escalation affecting the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that links the economies of the three countries.

Trump is expected to outline the justifications for these tariffs in his speech, which he claims aim to curb drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, and control illegal immigration into the United States. He is also expected to touch on the implications of this move on the American economy and trade relations with key partners.