Osamu Inoue, president of Sumitomo Electric, which makes parts for Volkswagen, Toyota and Stellantis, among others, said Trump’s threatened 25 per cent tariffs on Mexican goods would do more harm to US suppliers, which account for almost a third of car parts investment in Mexico.

President Donald Trump told reporters hours after taking office that he was considering levying a blanket duty on Mexico and Canada on Feb. 1.

Americans buy $900 billion a year in food, cars, TVs, toys, appliances and other goods from Mexico and Canada. The cost of these products could rise if President Trump carries out his threat to apply 25% tariffs.