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On Thursday, the White House affirmed its commitment to implementing substantial tariffs starting April 2, as President Donald Trump prepares to roll out reciprocal levies, intensifying his ongoing trade war.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the statement, reinforcing the administration’s stance just days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Washington would assign each country a figure reflecting its tariffs and trade barriers.
Bessent’s earlier comments had hinted at a potential postponement of some tariff activations. However, Leavitt clarified to journalists that President Trump has been unequivocal about his plans for April 2, signaling no deviation from the scheduled escalation.
“There will be big announcements when it comes to reciprocal trade,” she said.
“And the president will be highlighting the unfair trade practices, the ways in which America has been ripped off by every country around the world, quite frankly.”
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“There will be big tariffs that will be going into effect,” she added.
President Donald Trump has pledged to impose reciprocal duties on both allies and rivals of the United States starting April 2, though the specifics of this strategy remain undisclosed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking to Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, explained that on that date, each country would be presented with a figure that the U.S. believes reflects their tariffs and trade barriers.
He elaborated that the administration would approach these nations with an assessment, stating that the number encapsulates their tariff levels, non-tariff barriers, currency manipulation, unfair subsidies, and labor suppression practices.
Bessent noted that if countries cease these activities, the U.S. would refrain from erecting a tariff barrier. He also suggested that certain duties might be avoided altogether, either through pre-negotiated agreements or if nations promptly engage in discussions with Washington.
