US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick says Canada and Mexico have done a “reasonable” job since President Donald Trump threatened 25% tariffs.
However, still more needs to be done about the fentanyl crisis, says Lutnick.
Trump has been threatening the tariffs on its northern and southern neighbours since November 2024, two months before he was sworn into office.
Twice he has offered a brief reprieve, on the condition Canada and Mexico secured their borders and got illegal drug trafficking under control. The 25% tariffs are scheduled to go into place on Tuesday.
“Both Mexico and Canada have done a reasonable job on the border,” Lutnik told Fox News on Sunday.
“They’re both working hard on the border. We’ve had our lowest crossings ever under Donald Trump, because of his ability to negotiate with Canada and Mexico.
“But the fentanyl continues to come into this country, and continues to murder our people.”
“And that’s gotta end.”
Lutnick said Tuesday’s tariffs are still on schedule, but exactly what that will look like is something Trump is currently taking under consideration.
Trump is “thinking right now how he wants to play it with Canada and Mexico, exactly what they are is a fluid situation.” he said.
“There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday.”
