• Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, pledges to divest all business interests within 90 days.
• He supports across-the-board tariffs aimed at creating "reciprocity" in trade relations.
• Lutnick targets China’s tech advancements, pledging to restrict semiconductor exports.
• Canada and Mexico could avoid impending tariffs by curbing fentanyl flow, according to Lutnick.

Howard Lutnick, the billionaire financier nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Commerce Department, made firm commitments during his confirmation hearing before the Senate. He stated his plan to divest all personal business holdings within 90 days, reinforcing his dedication to transparency and conflict-of-interest avoidance. Lutnick emphasized, “I will divest, I will sell all of my interests, my business interests, all of my assets, everything” as reported by AP News.

At the heart of Lutnick’s strategy is a robust tariff policy aimed at restoring “reciprocity” in global trade, particularly with major trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico. He articulated a vision of country-by-country tariffs, asserting that the United States has been treated “horribly” in the global trading environment, as outlined in coverage by The Guardian. Lutnick asserted that tariffs are necessary tools to ensure fairness and demand respect from trading partners.

With respect to China, Lutnick specifically targeted the nation’s advancements in technology, notably the rise of AI firms such as DeepSeek. He accused them of stealing intellectual property and pledged to impose stricter restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductors, which are vital to tech innovations. “If they are going to compete with us, let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to safeguard its technological advantages, a sentiment echoed by South China Morning Post.

Lutnick's comments also suggested that Canada and Mexico could circumvent the proposed 25% tariffs by effectively addressing the flow of fentanyl across their borders. He noted that swift action from these countries would influence tax decisions, framing tariffs as both a trade measure and a national security strategy, as reflected in an analysis by NPR.

Lutnick’s appointment appears to enjoy bipartisan support among lawmakers, showcasing a collective desire to address trade issues pragmatically. However, concerns persist regarding the potential impact of tariffs on American consumers, with Lutnick promising to undertake an exhaustive study following his confirmation to gauge potential price increases resulting from these policies.

The Commerce Department plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. economic interactions, overseeing tariffs, trade agreements, and vital domestic industries. As Lutnick prepares for what is expected to be a smooth confirmation journey, stakeholders will be closely monitoring how his strategies unfold amid the complex landscape of international trade.

For further insights on Lutnick's confirmation hearing and its implications for U.S. trade policy, refer to our source links on AP News, The Guardian, NPR, and South China Morning Post.