White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Wednesday that Canada and Mexico will be exempt, at least temporarily, from stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum imports while administration officials negotiate a trade deal with the two countries.

"And if we get that, then all is good with Canada and Mexico," he added.

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He has argued that the tariffs are necessary to help revive the U.S. steel and aluminum industries, after decades of unfair trade practices that have left the industries uncompetitive.

The expected tariffs have angered foreign governments in Canada, Europe and elsewhere, which have threatened retaliatory measures if the duties are imposed. Canada and Mexico are among the top steel exporters to the U.S.

At the same time, the Trump administration is in the process of trying to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the U.S., Canada and Mexico.