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Donald Trump’s Treasury Minister, Scott Bessent, is pushing a new common tariff on imported goods in the United States, with a starting price of 2.5 % and gradually rising.
Familiar people say that the amount of 2.5 % of the monthly tax will increase to the same number per month, which gives companies the time to adjust and have the opportunity to negotiate with the US president’s government.
The fee can be increased to 20 %, which is consistent with Trump’s highest position in the campaign last year. However, it is gradually introduced to a gentle action than worrying about some countries.
Two people who are familiar with the discussion say they are unclear whether BESSENT has persuaded other central interests, including Trump’s business minister Howard Lutnick to use his proposal.
The tariff policy is already the center of the fierce trade debate between Peter Navarro and Jamieson Greer, as well as gentle factions such as Bessent.
Trump began to threaten as high as 25 % of tariffs on imports of Canada and Mexico this weekend. In recent days, it has threatened Columbia, involving 25 % of tariffs in disputes deported.
Another person who is familiar with Trump’s thoughts says he is weighing different choices. “The president is not ready to make a decision.”
A person who is familiar with BESSENT thought refuses to comment on the records of the proposal, but said: “He did not make any plans, but if confirmed, he looked forward to being part of the dialogue.”
Although the initial tariffs and other supporters believe that this will make the country and the company have time to adjust and negotiate, the critics refute that higher initial interest rates will convey clearer information.
Trump’s high tariffs were the core of his “US first” campaign last year. In September, he vowed to “tax” foreign countries, “they are not used to the level.”
However, since the opening on January 20, the president’s main move is a memorandum of release, summarizing the investigation of the US trade policy, the reasons for the country’s trade deficit and whether competitors are manipulating currency and unfair taxes for American companies.
When the reporter asked him whether he planned to introduce universal tariffs last week, Trump replied, “We may. But we have not prepared for this.”
Trade analysts and lawyers said that Trump can use administrative powers such as the International Economic Economic State Law to quickly levy universal tariffs, allowing the president to respond to emergency situations through economic means.
However, trade experts also warned that the use of IEPA to issue a wide range of tariffs may face legal challenges of corporate groups.
Trump, who has been opposed to the US trade deficit for a long time, said that tariffs will be a way to increase the country’s income.
In his inauguration, he said: “We don’t have to tax citizens to enrich other countries, but to levy foreign levy taxes to enrich our citizens.”
Bessent said at the US Senate last week that the Trump administration will use tariffs to solve unfair trade behaviors, increase US government’s revenue and strike with foreign countries.
Last week, BESSENT was approved by the Senate Finance Committee to lead the treasury and was widely confirmed by the Senate.
The White House did not respond to the request for comment.
