U.S. tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico are set to be implemented this Tuesday, March 4, as initially scheduled, though the final rate will be decided by President Donald Trump, as stated by America's Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, on Sunday.
During an interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Lutnick confirmed, "There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada. Exactly what they are, we're going to leave that for the president and his team to negotiate."
Lutnick indicated that the situation remains "fluid," with the 30-day delay on duties—linked by President Trump to issues of illegal border crossings and fentanyl trafficking—about to end on March 4.
Although Lutnick acknowledged that Canada and Mexico have made "reasonable efforts" in securing their U.S. borders, he pointed out the continued entry of deadly fentanyl into the United States. He added that President Trump is also expected to increase tariffs on Chinese goods unless China acts to halt fentanyl trafficking.
The commerce secretary's statements mark the first hint from the Trump administration suggesting that it could reconsider the full 25% tariff threat on all imports from Mexico and non-energy imports from Canada.
Previously, President Trump created some confusion by referring to a potential April 2 deadline regarding tariffs on Canada and Mexico. However, he later reiterated the March 4 deadline and announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods on Tuesday, doubling the duties first enacted on February 4.
Asked by a reporter whether the decrease in border crossings—reportedly down 90%—might prompt an extension of the tariff pause, President Trump firmly responded, "I'm not stopping the tariffs, no. Millions of people have died because of fentanyl coming over the border. They've done well, but that's also largely due to our efforts."