Trump Commerce Pick Says Favors Broad Tariffs, Vows Tough China Stance

Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 30, 2025 | 12:50 PM

Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Jan, 2025) Donald Trump's commerce secretary nominee told his US Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday he favours "across-the-board" tariffs targeting countries rather than products while signalling a hawkish China stance.

"We can use tariffs to create reciprocity, fairness and respect," said Howard Lutnick, a close Trump ally and billionaire CEO of Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald.

Lutnick's appearance comes as Trump threatens sweeping duties on imports from allies and adversaries alike -- with levies on major trading partners Canada and Mexico potentially to be unveiled this weekend.

On Wednesday, Lutnick said the president's February 1 deadline for 25 percent tariffs was aimed at getting both neighbours to do more on illegal migration and particularly the flow of deadly fentanyl.

"This is a separate tariff to create action from Mexico and action from Canada," he said, differentiating between uses of duties.

"As far as I know they are acting swiftly, and if they execute it, there will be no tariff."

But Lutnick stressed that duties on China -- and "adversaries" -- should be higher than those on other countries.

In announcing his nomination last year, Trump said Lutnick would lead the world's biggest economy's tariff and trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the US Trade Representative's office.

Asked about the impact of duties on prices, Lutnick conceded certain products' costs may rise. He charged that "it is nonsense" however that they would cause widespread inflation.

Lutnick vowed to work to understand the impact of retaliatory tariffs on US agriculture and manufacturing.