Mexico's government on Tuesday questioned the fairness of a 25% tariff ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump on its steel and aluminum imports, stressing that Mexico buys more steel from the U.S. than it exports to its northern neighbor.

Trump has said higher tariffs would spur companies to create more auto sector jobs in the U.S. — but economists are skeptical.

He said, however, the tariffs may offer opportunities for Korean companies to find new export markets. South Korea will "actively consider" whether there is room for negotiation on the tariffs with the United States,

Brazil and Mexico, two top shippers of steel to the U.S., will wait to see if U.S. President Donald Trump announces tariffs on steel and aluminum imports before reacting, officials from both nations said on Monday.