Getty Republican candidate Donald Trump speaking in North Carolina

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Mr Trump, speaking at a rally in North Carolina said it was a move designed to save US jobs. "When I'm president, if companies want to fire their workers and move to Mexico or other parts of the world there will be a tax of 35 per cent for any product they want to ship in to this country." He added: “I’m a free trader. But our politicians did such horrible trade deals. They are killing our workers, they are killing our companies and our companies are being forced to move.

Getty Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaking in North Carolina

US Elections 2016 in pictures Tue, November 8, 2016 The top photos following the campaign journey of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in the US Elections 2016 Play slideshow Getty 1 of 57 US Elections 2016 in pictures

"I'll tell you what will happen when we do this. They're not going to leave any more because all of a sudden it won't work. At least if they do we are going to make a lot of money when they ship their products across the border. "When you make your air conditioning or your car abroad and make people unemployed there are consequences. "These companies want the latest horrible trade deal. The Trans-Pacific Partnership. Don't let it happen.

Getty Donald Trump walks in front of the American flag before a rally in North Carolina

"It's all about making America great again. And I understand that." The decision by Trump, who has spoken about imposing an import tax but not previously stated at what level, comes after Ford chief executive officer Mark Fields announced in September that the car company was going to move all of the company’s small car production out of the US and moving to Mexico. The move is part of the company’s $1.6 billion investment plan in Mexico which is aiming to start production in the country in 2018. Ford intends to move production of the Focus and C-Max out of its Wayne, Michigan plant.

Getty Donald Trump and Melania Trump attend the Alfred E Smith Memorial Dinner