Mexico and Canada are putting aside their differences and forming a more united front as they try to head off US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on them as soon as next week.

Since winning the election in November Trump has repeatedly threatened his country’s two largest trading partners with tariffs of 25 per cent on all exports to the US in retaliation for what he says are rising levels of illegal immigration and the trafficking of the opioid fentanyl into the country. He has warned the tariffs could apply from February 1.

“Trump is black and white about this,” said a person familiar with the Trump team’s plans. “We give you access to the US market, what are you giving us?”