Trump Tariffs to Remain in Place as Freeze Nears End, Commerce Secretary Confirms

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has unequivocally stated that President Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods will not be rescinded. The tariffs, initially announced in April and temporarily paused due to market volatility, are set to take full effect in July unless new trade agreements are finalized. Rates could reach as high as 100% for imports from 60 countries, including Vietnam, South Africa, and the European Union.

"Tariffs are not going away," Lutnick declared during a televised interview, dismissing speculation about legal or diplomatic interventions. The administration’s stance aligns with Trump’s recent Truth Social post, where he framed the tariffs as a defensive measure against "anti-American" trade practices by other nations.

The impending policy shift coincides with broader market uncertainty, though cryptocurrency markets have yet to show significant reaction. Traders are monitoring whether the resumption of tariffs could trigger capital flows into decentralized assets as a hedge against traditional market volatility.