- The Trump administration is reportedly having difficulties trying to meet tariff deadlines. The reported difficulties come from a Wall Street Journal report.
- 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on China goods are set for March 4.
- A White House official told the WSJ, it’s “premature” to say there’s a bottleneck in implementing Trump’s trade agenda.
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The Trump administration has moved quickly to announce the dates for his new tariffs. However, meeting those deadlines might be difficult for his staff.
According to the Wall Street Journal, sources said all of the recent announcements are creating some major hurdles at the office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Commerce Department.
On March 4, 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods are expected to go into effect.
President Donald Trump is planning 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum on March 12.
Then on April 2, 25% tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors will be implemented, which is when reciprocal tariffs will take effect.
What are reciprocal tariffs?
Reciprocal tariffs fulfill Trump’s campaign promise to match the higher rates other nations charge to import American goods. He also said the move will help solve unfair trade practices.
However, people familiar with the discussions told the Wall Street Journal, it will take longer than the April timeline to fully implement Trump’s plans. It could take six months or even longer.
What is the White House saying?
The Journal spoke with a White House official who said a report will be released on April 2 outlining the equivalent tariff rates for other nations and how they will be carried out. They also said details for some countries may come earlier than others.
According to the report, this official declined to commit to a specific timeline, but said talks of there being a bottleneck to implementing Trump’s trade agenda are “premature.”