United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear in interviews on Thursday that no exemptions will be granted under President Donald Trump’s new tariff strategy. Speaking with CNBC, Lutnick stated, “I don't think there'll be tariff exemptions,” affirming the administration’s firm stance on trade enforcement.

Lutnick emphasized that the U.S. is in active negotiations with “all major trading countries” but argued that retaliatory actions by foreign governments would not be effective. “U.S. products will have to be sold there,” he added, indicating the administration’s expectation that American goods remain competitive even amid rising global tensions.

In a separate interview with CNN, Lutnick doubled down on the administration's position, declaring that there is “no chance” President Trump will back down from his newly introduced tariff policies. “Let Donald Trump run the global economy. He knows what he's doing. You gotta trust him... It's broken. Let him fix it,” Lutnick asserted, voicing strong confidence in the president’s leadership and economic approach.

The remarks follow President Trump’s announcement earlier this week of a comprehensive set of reciprocal tariffs on foreign imports, including a significant 25% duty on automobiles manufactured outside the United States. These moves are part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping America’s global trade relationships and addressing long-standing trade imbalances.

Lutnick suggested that Trump’s aggressive tariff actions are intended to compel other countries to reevaluate their own trade policies. “I expect most countries to start to really examine their trade policies,” he said, underlining the administration’s expectation that other nations will adapt to the evolving landscape created by U.S. policy shifts.

As the new tariffs begin to take effect, global markets and trade partners are closely watching for reactions and potential responses. While some nations have hinted at retaliatory measures, Lutnick’s comments suggest that the U.S. government remains unmoved by such threats and is focused instead on systemic change in international commerce.

The latest developments further cement the Trump administration’s commitment to a trade doctrine centered on reciprocity, economic leverage, and the belief that American leadership can reset the global economic system in its favor.