US Commerce Secretary: "Mexico and Canada Tariffs Are Drug Policy, Not Trade... Tariffs Will Be Lifted If Fentanyl Crackdown Occurs"

Secretary Lutnick's Interview with CNBC
"Must Prove Fentanyl Crackdown to the President"

Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, stated on the 4th (local time) that the enforcement of a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, which took effect at midnight, is not a trade war but a measure to prevent the influx of the opioid painkiller fentanyl into the United States. He also mentioned that if the two countries strengthen fentanyl control, the tariffs could be lifted.

In an interview with CNBC on the same day, Secretary Lutnick said, "The current tariff policy is a drug-related policy."

He explained, "Opioids are flooding into this country, killing 75,000 Americans annually. China manufactures opioid products, and Mexico and Canada supply them to the United States. This must end." He added that although Mexico and Canada have recently strengthened border controls, they have not been able to stop fentanyl from entering the U.S.

Secretary Lutnick also left open the possibility of lifting tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

He emphasized, "If they can stop the influx of fentanyl and prove it to President (Trump), the president can, of course, lift these tariffs."

Regarding the reciprocal tariff measures announced by President Trump on April 2, he explained that it would be a "reset" of trade policies related to goods and services.

On concerns about inflation caused by tariffs, Secretary Lutnick argued, "Prices may move in the short term, but in the long term, it will be completely different."