Donald Trump appears to be reconsidering one of the central measures of his second term, as he plans to limit some tariffs that had been imposed on steel and aluminum products. This move comes at a time when American citizens are increasingly worried about living costs, with inflation eroding the president's popularity ahead of the November elections. The exclusive report from the Financial Times indicates that the U.S. government is re-evaluating the list of products that are subject to tariffs, aiming to exclude certain items and freeze the further expansion of these lists.

Last summer, the White House imposed tariffs of up to 50% on imports of steel and aluminum, extending these tariffs to a range of final products manufactured from these two metals. Such actions were designed to protect domestic industries, but with economic pressures mounting and public sentiment shifting, Trump’s administration is now exploring more targeted national security investigations on specific products instead. This potential shift in policy could signal a significant change in the administration's approach to trade during a critical election year.

The implications of these tariff adjustments could be substantial, not only for domestic manufacturers and consumers but also in the context of international trade relations. If certain products are exempted from tariffs, it could relieve some financial strain on consumers and businesses, potentially impacting the overall economy and the electoral landscape as Americans prioritize economic concerns over protectionist measures. This development may also adjust the U.S.’s standing with trade partners who have faced retaliatory tariffs in response to American policies.