United States: As the impending April 2 tariff imposition deadline looms, former President Donald Trump has indicated that the scope of these levies will likely be more tempered than strictly equivalent, signaling a degree of restraint in their execution.
“I will probably exercise a level of leniency rather than strict reciprocity because full reciprocity would be exceedingly stringent for many,” Trump remarked during a Tuesday interview with Newsmax, according to CNBC News.
“I understand there exist certain carve-outs, and the discussion remains dynamic, but these exceptions are relatively limited—very limited,” the former president elaborated.
His statements emerge amidst mounting apprehensions among investors, who fear that an aggressive tariff strategy endorsed by the Trump administration could suppress both consumer confidence and corporate outlooks, potentially hindering economic momentum.
On Tuesday, the Conference Board reported that its gauge of consumer projections concerning business conditions, earnings, and employment had plummeted to its lowest level in twelve years, reflecting widespread economic unease, as reported by CNBC News.
Equities have been experiencing turbulence, with the S&P 500 index shedding 3% over the past month. The benchmark index also momentarily descended into correction territory, retreating over 10% from its February peak due to the intensifying tariff-induced pressures.