The U.S. government has stated that Canada and Mexico could still avoid hefty tariffs if they take action to curb fentanyl trafficking at their borders while also committing to slowing China’s advancements in artificial intelligence.

WASHINGTON—Howard Lutnick’s journey from Wall Street veteran to one of President Trump’s most hawkish trade advisers began with a speech at his October campaign rally at Madison Square Garden. Lutnick extolled the virtues of tariffs and argued that the duties could at least in part replace the U.

Since his re-election in November, Trump has repeatedly said he would hit Canada and others with tariffs of up to 25 per cent. On his first day back in the Oval Office, Trump suggested tariffs on Canadian goods could be coming on Saturday.

President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Commerce Department has told US lawmakers that Canada and Mexico can avoid blanket tariffs if they close their borders to fentanyl. "As far as I know, they are acting swiftly, and if they execute it, there will be no tariff," Howard Lutnick said on Wednesday during a confirmation hearing before senators.

He noted those tariffs were separate from a broad effort by the Commerce Department, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office and the Treasury Department to review trade relations and tariffs by April 1.

President Donald Trump's nominee to run the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, said on Wednesday that Canada and Mexico can avoid looming U.S. tariffs if they act swiftly to close their borders to fentanyl,

United States President Donald Trump ’s pick to lead the Commerce Department said Mexico and Canada can avoid new tariffs due this weekend if they clamp down on border security — while also signalling that Trump is likely to impose widespread new levies to return manufacturing to U.S. soil.

President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, told senators the argument that tariffs cause inflation is "nonsense" during a confirmation hearing.

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Commerce Department said Mexico and Canada can avoid new tariffs due this weekend if they clamp down on border security — while also signaling that Trump is likely to impose widespread new levies to return manufacturing to US soil.

Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnick appeared to give Canada (and Mexico) an out on potential tariffs today, suggesting that if action is taken to secure the border and shut the flow of fentanyl across the border,

Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick for Commerce Department head, told senators Wednesday he'll crack down on those who treat the U.S. “horribly.”