The White House said on Monday it has noticed that Mexico is "serious" about President Donald Trump's executive order on tariffs, but Canada has "misunderstood" it to be a trade war between the neighboring countries.

The Trump administration said Saturday it would levy 25% import tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, with Canadian energy products facing a 10% tariff. The announcement also includes an extra 10% tariff on imports from China.

Trump had been threatening the tariffs to ensure greater cooperation from the countries on stopping illegal immigration.