Mr. Trump is trying use tariffs to force Mexico to better guard its border with the United States, but Mexican officials say the tariffs will only hurt both countries.

The president is also considering hefty new tariffs on the European Union and on specific goods, such as oil and gas, at a later date.

American importers will pay a new 25-percent tax on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent levy on products from China, the president said.