US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico to Take Effect on Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Confirms
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says President Trump’s planned tariffs will proceed as scheduled.

US tariffs on Canada and Mexico are set to take effect on Tuesday, with the exact details to be determined by President Donald Trump, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on both neighboring countries starting March 4, in response to concerns over illegal drugs and migrants entering the US. Lutnick confirmed on Sunday that the tariffs will proceed as planned, but the specific terms will depend on ongoing negotiations.
Additionally, a 10% tariff on Chinese imports is expected to be implemented due to accusations that China is not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US. If these tariffs are enforced, Chinese exports to the US will face a total levy of at least 20%, following the 10% tariff that was introduced a month ago.
Chinese state media reports that Beijing is preparing countermeasures, likely targeting US agricultural and food products. Despite this, analysts believe China still hopes to avoid a full trade war and reach a negotiated agreement with the US. So far, no deal has been reached.
Trump has long argued that tariffs are an effective tool to address trade imbalances and protect US manufacturing.
On Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Lutnick stated, “There will be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada. The details will be negotiated by the president and his team.”
Canada has repeatedly stated that the tariffs would hurt both economies but has vowed to defend its interests if they go ahead. Canadian Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand recently met with US officials and said Canada is ready for any outcome. “We are prepared for any eventuality, but we will always defend our country’s economy,” she told CBC News.
In response to potential US tariffs, Canada has prepared a list of $30 billion in American goods that could be subject to tariffs, including everyday products like pasta, clothing, and perfume.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has intensified its efforts to combat the illegal flow of fentanyl, although US data shows that only 1% of fentanyl seizures in the US come from Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also addressed the situation during a summit on Ukraine in London, emphasizing that Canada is not a significant source of illegal fentanyl entering the US.
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, responded to Lutnick’s comments by stating, “Mexico has to be respected,” during a public event in Colima. She added, “Cooperation, yes; subordination, never.”
In addition to the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, President Trump has also announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on March 12. He has further threatened to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on individual countries, as well as 25% tariffs on the European Union.
This latest round of US tariffs could significantly impact global trade, and it remains to be seen how other countries will respond to the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies.