Donald Trump’s commerce secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick, told the US Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday that he supports “across-the-board” tariffs targeting countries rather than specific products while signaling a tough stance on China.
“We can use tariffs to create reciprocity, fairness, and respect,” said Lutnick, a close Trump ally and CEO of Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald.
His hearing comes as Trump threatens sweeping duties on imports from allies and adversaries alike, with tariffs on Canada and Mexico potentially being announced this weekend. Lutnick stated that the president’s February 1 deadline for 25 percent tariffs aims to pressure both nations to address illegal migration and the flow of fentanyl into the US.
He emphasized that duties on China and other “adversaries” should be higher than those imposed on other countries. He also committed to assessing the impact of retaliatory tariffs on US agriculture and manufacturing.
Lutnick signaled a firm stance on export controls, particularly in response to China’s recent AI advancements, including the emergence of the DeepSeek chatbot, which has challenged US-based artificial intelligence firms.
“Let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us,” he said, promising strict enforcement of export restrictions to maintain the US lead in sensitive technologies with military applications.
He criticized the current export control system, calling it ineffective without accompanying tariffs. “Our export controls, not backed by tariffs, are like a whack-a-mole model,” he told the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
On the CHIPS and Science Act, passed during the Biden administration to boost the US semiconductor industry, Lutnick acknowledged its importance but insisted on reviewing investments to ensure effectiveness.
Vice President JD Vance, introducing Lutnick to the panel, praised him as a leader who could restore confidence in American commerce.
Lutnick previously served as co-chair of Trump’s 2024 transition team and has been vocal about his opposition to electric vehicles, blaming China for the fentanyl crisis, and lamenting the outsourcing of US manufacturing jobs.
“Tariffs will encourage companies to come back and build in America,” he said.
Under Biden, the Commerce Department strengthened export controls on critical technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing, targeting China’s access. The Trump administration is expected to take an even harder stance.
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