Two members of Donald Trump’s inner circle suggest Canada and Mexico might be exempted from the planned tariffs on aluminum and steel.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the president’s indicated that ”if we can work something out with Canada and Mexico they will be exempted.  It’s not inconceivable that others oculd be exempted on a similar basis.”

Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin says that the administration was ”definitely going to end up” with the broad tariffs Trump’s seeking.

”But, again, there will be a mechanism where, to the extent that the president wants to give waivers, the president can do that.”

White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the White House is on pace for an announcement on the tariffs ”at the end of this week.”

Mnuchin testifies tomorrow at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

“We’re cautiously optimistic on NAFTA,” said Mnuchin.

“This is part of those discussions.  But assuming we get the new NAFTA deal done, they will be exempted.”

The president said earlier this week that Canada and Mexico could be exempted if the U.S. gets a better deal in the trilateral trade renegotiations.