Trump Team Studies Gradual Tariff Hikes Under Emergency Powers
- Plan would boost import duties 2%-5% a month on trade partners
- Supporters include Trump advisers Bessent, Haslett and Miran
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Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming economic team are discussing slowly ramping up tariffs month by month, a gradual approach aimed at boosting negotiating leverage while helping avoid a spike in inflation, according to people familiar with the matter.
One idea involves a schedule of graduated tariffs increasing by about 2% to 5% a month, and would rely on executive authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the people said.