Trump's April 2 Tariff Plan Targets Trade Imbalances

The Trump administration is likely to exclude sector-specific tariffs, such as those on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, from its April 2 tariff rollout, opting instead for more targeted reciprocal tariffs aimed at countries with significant trade imbalances with the U.S. The planned tariffs, which President Trump has dubbed 'Liberation Day,' are intended to address the $1.2 trillion global goods trade deficit by imposing tariffs equivalent to those other countries levy on U.S. goods. These measures will focus on approximately 15 countries, informally called the 'dirty 15,' including major trading partners like China, Japan, and Germany. Despite earlier proposals for a three-tiered tariff system, the administration is now favoring a more tailored, case-by-case approach. The situation remains fluid, with final decisions on broader sector-specific levies still pending. Reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal emphasize policy uncertainty and the administration's evolving strategy.