President Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada next Tuesday, but the exact rates are still under consideration, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
While Mexico and Canada have made some efforts to address Trump’s concerns about border issues, Lutnick noted they haven’t done enough to alleviate worries over fentanyl-related deaths in the U.S. He discussed this on Fox’s Sunday Morning Futures show, emphasizing that the situation is still evolving.
Additionally, Trump is set to impose a 10% tariff on China, which will add to the 10% tariffs he announced earlier this month. Previously, he suggested a 25% tariff might be implemented for Mexico and Canada, but Lutnick hinted that the rate could be adjusted downward. This suggests that Mexico and Canada might make a final push to negotiate and prevent these tariffs, which Trump had postponed before.
“He will consider it and move forward on Tuesday,” said Lutnick. “Canada and Mexico have been in talks with him.”
Last week, Mexico took a significant step by extraditing multiple prisoners to the U.S., including a high-profile drug trafficker, to mitigate the looming tariffs.
Trump has also hinted at expanding trade tensions to include Canada’s lumber industry, as he has instructed the commerce department to investigate unfair practices affecting the U.S. market.
On the other hand, China seems to have limited options before the Tuesday deadline. Lutnick mentioned that the choice for China is clear: stop providing subsidies and cease the production of fentanyl precursors, or face tariffs.
China has promised to respond to protect its interests and stated that it has tightened regulations on chemicals related to fentanyl. Lutnick warned that if China decides to retaliate, they should remember that they sell far more to the U.S. than the other way around.
A CBS poll released this Sunday showed that while Trump received slightly positive ratings for managing the economy, his handling of inflation was viewed less favorably. Fifty-one percent of Americans approved of his economic strategy, but only 46% supported his approach to inflation.
The survey revealed a bipartisan desire for Trump to prioritize the economy and inflation, though fewer people believe he is actually focusing on these issues, as he seems more absorbed with border security, tariffs, and the federal workforce.
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