Trump Plans Major Trade Tariff Announcement Today, Options Considered

Ahead of President Trump's highly anticipated 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement on April 2, various tariff options are being considered by his administration. Reports indicate that Trump is weighing three primary approaches, including a flat 20% tariff on all imports, a tiered system with varying rates for different goods, and country-specific tariffs that would depend on trade relationships. The White House has suggested that some tariffs may be delayed to allow for negotiations, particularly with nations like Japan, Vietnam, and India, which could influence final decisions. Additionally, there are indications that the Office of the US Trade Representative is working on a streamlined tariff proposal to simplify the administration's approach. As market reactions remain sensitive to these developments, investors are hopeful that a blanket tariff will be avoided, allowing for a more nuanced trade policy. However, the uncertainty surrounding the final structure of the tariffs continues to loom large.