What Scott Bessent said about tariffs and trade policy earlier today

March 04, 2025 at 02:25PM
Bessent spoke on Fox earlier today.

“Over the medium term, which is what we’re focused on, it’s a focus on Main Street. Wall Street’s done great, Wall Street can continue to do fine, but we have a focus on small business and consumers,” Bessent said on Fox News. “So we are going to rebalance the economy.”

That’s not exactly inspiring and S&P 500 futures are down 36 points.

“With the China tariffs, I am highly confident that the Chinese manufacturers will eat the tariffs — prices won’t go up,” Bessent said. “With Canada and Mexico, I think we’re in the middle of a transition, and as you mentioned, Honda moving to Indiana is a great start.”

The comments hint at a US strategy of taking some short-term pain.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at more tariffs (including on Mexico and Canada) on April 2.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.

What Scott Bessent said about tariffs and trade policy earlier today