Washington, D.C. - U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced on Sunday that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect as scheduled on Tuesday, with President Donald Trump set to determine the exact levels of the duties. This confirmation comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and its North American neighbors.
President Trump had previously stated that he would impose a 25% tariff on both Canada and Mexico starting March 4. Lutnick’s remarks reaffirm the administration’s commitment to moving forward with the tariffs, though the final rates remain subject to the President’s discretion.
In addition to the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Lutnick revealed that President Trump is expected to increase tariffs on China from 10% to 20%, effective Tuesday. This escalation is part of the administration’s broader strategy to pressure China to address key issues, including the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. Lutnick emphasized that the tariff hike on Chinese goods could be averted if China takes concrete steps to curb the flow of the synthetic opioid into the U.S.
The announcement has sparked concerns among businesses and trade experts, who warn that the new tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for consumers, and further strain international trade relations. Canada and Mexico have already signaled their intention to retaliate with counter-tariffs, while China has yet to issue an official response to the latest developments.
As the Tuesday deadline approaches, all eyes are on the White House to see how President Trump will finalize the tariff levels and whether any last-minute negotiations could alter the course of these trade actions. The global economic community remains on edge, awaiting the potential ripple effects of these escalating trade measures.
More updates to follow as the situation develops.