Tue Jan 07 08:31:53 UTC 2025: ## Trump Team Weighs Revised Tariff Plans Amid Internal Debate

**Washington, D.C.** – With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration weeks away, his administration is actively developing plans to implement tariffs on imported goods, though the specifics are still under intense debate. While Trump campaigned on imposing universal tariffs as high as 20 percent on all imports and a 60 percent levy on Chinese goods, sources suggest the incoming administration is considering modifications.

According to CNN and other reports, the Trump team is exploring targeted tariffs on specific critical industries, either before or alongside a broader tariff program. This approach aims to address trade imbalances and boost domestic manufacturing, while potentially mitigating the potentially severe economic fallout of blanket tariffs.

The President-elect himself has pushed back against reports suggesting a scaling back of his campaign promise, vehemently denying claims that his tariff plans are being watered down. This denial followed a Washington Post article reporting that the incoming administration was considering a more nuanced approach.

However, internal dissent is brewing. Incoming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly harbors reservations about universal tariffs, while even Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, acknowledges the need for further work on China-specific tariffs. Conversely, the President-elect’s picks for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, and former economic advisor Larry Kudlow, have expressed support for using tariffs as a negotiating tool or to offset tax cuts.

The proposed tariff plans, if implemented, could significantly disrupt global trade, potentially triggering retaliatory measures and increasing prices for consumers and businesses. While economic advisors believe tariffs are necessary to reshore manufacturing jobs, they’re also carefully considering how to minimize negative impacts on the stock market and consumer prices. The ongoing internal debate indicates the final shape of Trump’s trade policy remains uncertain.

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