Trump to meet Canada, Mexico in middle on tariffs, says US commerce chief

Washington: USCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox Business on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will reach a middle ground with Canada and Mexico on tariffs and an announcement to that effect was expected on Wednesday.

Why it's important

Trump's new 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada took effect on Tuesday, along with a doubling of duties on Chinese goods to 20 per cent. The move has sparked trade wars that could slam economic growth and lift prices for Americans still smarting from years of high inflation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Trump on Tuesday that his tariffs on Canadian imports were "a very dumb thing to do" and said Ottawa was striking back immediately at its closest ally.

Key quotes

"Now, both the Mexicans and the Canadians were on the phone with me all day today, trying to show that they'll do better, and the president is listening," Lutnick said.

"So I think he's going to work something out with them. It's not going to be a pause ... but I think he's going to figure out you do more, and I'll meet you in the middle somewhere, and we're going to probably be announcing that tomorrow," he said.

"So somewhere in the middle will likely be the outcome."