Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, said on Wednesday that Mexico and Canada could avoid new tariffs set for February 1 if they strengthen their border security, while advocating for broader trade measures to boost US manufacturing.
During his confirmation meeting, Lutnick outlined two distinct approaches: an immediate 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada linked to migration and fentanyl issues, and a broader trade study due by April 1.
“If we are your biggest trading partner, show us the respect, shut your border,” Lutnick said about the February 1 deadline. He added that both countries are “acting swiftly” and could avoid tariffs if they meet requirements.
The commerce nominee favors country-level tariffs over targeted measures. “My way of thinking, and I discussed this with the president, is country-by-country. Macro. Let America make it more fair,” he told senators, dismissing inflation concerns as “nonsense.”
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Trump’s administration has outlined three tariff categories: the 25% levy on Canada and Mexico, sector-specific tariffs on items including semiconductors and metals, and a possible universal import tariff above 2.5%.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Monday that the February 1 deadline for Mexico and Canada remains in place, with potential 10% tariffs on China also under consideration.
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