AsianFin – The Trump administration's planned reciprocal tariffs set to take effect April 2 will be more narrowly focused than previously proposed, though final details remain under discussion, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to ABC News.
While representing a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy, the expected measures will target specific products and trading partners rather than implementing the sweeping tariffs President Trump had initially suggested. The move comes after February's directive ordering federal agencies to evaluate appropriate tariff levels for virtually all U.S. trading partners.
"April 2nd is Liberation Day in America!!!" Trump declared in a Truth Social post. "For DECADES we have been ripped off and abused by every nation in the World, both friend and foe. Now it is finally time for the Good Ol' USA to get some of that MONEY, and RESPECT, BACK. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!"
The refined approach suggests the administration may be balancing its aggressive trade rhetoric with more pragmatic economic considerations, though the final scope and targets of the tariffs remain unclear. The measures are expected to primarily address what the administration views as unfair trade practices by key trading partners while minimizing collateral damage to U.S. consumers and businesses.
Analysts suggest the more targeted strategy could reflect internal administration debates about how to implement Trump's protectionist agenda without triggering widespread economic disruptions or market volatility. The April 2 implementation date coincides with the anniversary of Trump's 2018 announcement of tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods during his first term.
Commerce Department officials declined to comment on specific tariff rates or product categories ahead of the formal announcement. However, sources indicate the measures will focus on sectors where the administration believes current trade terms disproportionately favor foreign producers.
The move comes as the Biden campaign has sought to highlight economic issues in the 2024 election cycle, with Democrats arguing Trump's trade policies would increase costs for American families. Business groups have expressed cautious relief at the apparently narrower scope of the impending tariffs while remaining concerned about potential supply chain impacts.
Market reaction has been muted so far, suggesting investors had already priced in some version of the expected measures. However, analysts warn volatility could increase depending on how trading partners respond to the new tariffs.
The White House is expected to release full details of the tariff plan on Tuesday morning.
