"President Donald Trump is expected to announce adjustments to tariffs on Mexico and Canada this Wednesday, with potential exemptions for certain goods, including USMCA-compliant automobiles, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said.
Speaking with Bloomberg TV, Lutnick emphasized that Trump remains focused on curbing fentanyl smuggling into the U.S. and will continue leveraging tariffs to pressure Mexico and Canada on border security.
The administration is also committed to imposing reciprocal tariffs on imports from other nations as part of a broader effort to ensure fairness in trade. These new tariffs are set to be announced on April 2, though some may take weeks or months to take effect.
“There are going to be tariffs—let’s be clear—but [Trump] is considering which sectors may receive temporary relief until April 2,” Lutnick explained. “I think it will land somewhere in the middle.”
While the 25 percent tariff on imports remains in place, exemptions are being considered for products meeting USMCA requirements. Automobiles are a key candidate, as most North American manufacturers appear to comply with the agreement’s regional content rules. However, Lutnick did not specify whether other industries might also qualify for exemptions.
The comments signal that the Trump administration is open to negotiating trade terms with Canada and Mexico while maintaining pressure on both nations over border security and fentanyl trafficking."