Trump denies report on tariffs and reaffirms his global trade strategy.

The elected president, Donald Trump, has denied a recent report from the Washington Post suggesting that his team was considering a reduction in his plan for universal tariffs. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump argued that the story, based on anonymous sources, is "incorrect" and reaffirmed his commitment to a broader approach regarding import tariffs. This denial comes at a time when economic and trade uncertainty is palpable both in the United States and globally. The Washington Post report stated that Trump's advisors were discussing the possibility of applying tariffs only to certain key products, focusing on national security and economic concerns. This strategy, according to the article, would represent a significant shift from his original proposal to impose a 10% to 20% tariff on all imports, which experts believe could lead to an increase in consumer prices and disrupt international trade dynamics. Following the publication of the report, the U.S. dollar experienced an initial drop against other currencies, indicating a negative market reaction to the potential modification of tariff policy. However, the currency regained some of its value after Trump's statements, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the economic decisions of his future administration. Additionally, the announcement led investors to speculate about possible interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The Washington Post also mentioned that if this more limited approach to tariffs were implemented, it would be expected to focus on key industrial sectors, especially those affecting national security. Among the products that could be subject to these tariffs are essential materials for defense, such as steel and aluminum, as well as critical medical supplies. This strategy seems to align with Trump's intention to revitalize domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. Questions remain about whether this approach to universal tariffs would extend to other proposals from Trump, which include significantly higher tariffs on products from China, as well as on imports from Mexico and Canada. These proposals have been the subject of intense debate and could have drastic effects on the economy, both domestically and internationally. With only two weeks remaining until his inauguration, the uncertainty surrounding Trump's economic plans has already begun to generate tensions in the global trading system. Business leaders and economists are watching closely, as any significant change could trigger a ripple effect in global trade relations. The lack of clarity in Trump's approach has led many businesses to get ahead of the situation, increasing their orders and seeking new suppliers. This has resulted in a rise in imports and caused disruptions in supply chains that could have long-term effects on the economy. Companies are in preparation mode, which could lead to a temporary increase in imports before new trade policies are implemented. Bloomberg Economics had already projected several tariff increases on the horizon, and the current situation suggests that the issue of tariffs will remain a focal point on the new administration's economic agenda. The current uncertainty also highlights the complexity of balancing trade policy with domestic economic needs, as well as the potential risks of provoking diplomatic tensions. In summary, the recent controversy over Trump's approach to tariffs underscores the inherent tension between economic policy and the realities of global trade. Over time, his administration will need to navigate between campaign promises and the complexities of the economic landscape, while the world closely watches its next moves.