U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnik firmly stated that the U.S. will proceed with the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on trading partners, set to begin on April 9th, without any delays or suspensions for negotiation purposes. In an interview with CBS News, Rutnik emphasized that the tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump, are not subject to postponement and will be in effect for an extended period, underscoring the administration's resolve to address trade imbalances.
President Trump had previously declared a 10% baseline tariff on all countries starting April 5th, with additional country-specific reciprocal tariffs commencing on April 9th. Rutnik's remarks highlight the administration's determination to enforce these measures despite potential diplomatic negotiations aimed at suspension.
The Secretary expressed that the tariffs are a response to longstanding trade deficits experienced by the U.S., stating, "The world is ripping us off. This has to end." He pointed out that the global trade system needs restructuring to favor the U.S., which consistently runs a trade deficit.
Rutnik also addressed concerns over economic disruptions, such as stock market volatility, by framing the tariffs as essential for national security. He highlighted the decline of domestic manufacturing capabilities in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, steel, and semiconductors, which are increasingly outsourced.
Moreover, Rutnik explained the inclusion of remote territories like the Heard and McDonald Islands in the tariff list as a strategic move to prevent countries from exploiting loopholes to bypass tariffs. He cited past instances where countries, including China, rerouted goods through other nations to evade U.S. tariffs.
In response to speculation that the new trade measures could inadvertently benefit China, Rutnik dismissed such claims as baseless. He reiterated that the core issue lies in the global reliance on the U.S. as a major consumer, leading to unfair trade practices that the Trump administration is determined to rectify.
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