Investing.com-- U.S. President Donald Trump repeated his plans for tariffs against America’s biggest trading partners during an address to Congress on Tuesday evening, calling for an end to what he saw as unfair trading practices. 

His comments came as Trump’s 20% tariffs on China and 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico took effect earlier in the day, potentially marking the beginning of a global trade war. 

Trump said reciprocal tariffs against major economies- which will match their tariffs on U.S. exports- will take effect from April 2. He lambasted unfair trading conditions for U.S. companies, citing India and South Korea’s automobile duties as an example. 

“We’ve been ripped off for decades, and we will not let that happen any longer,” Trump said. “Tariffs are about making America rich again, making America great again.” 

Trump also said he wants to make interest payments on American-made automobiles tax deductible. 

Trump claimed that his policies will benefit American farmers, but warned that there would be a bit of an “adjustment period” after he announced tariffs on agricultural imports, beginning from April 2. 

In his first address to a joint session of Congress since taking office in January, Trump outlined what he touted as major achievements for his administration over the past six weeks, which included stricter border controls, measures to increase domestic energy production, and cuts to government spending. 

Trump reiterated his plans for sweeping tax cuts, calling on the Democrats to also vote in favor of a proposed tax cut bill.