The report said the first wave of tariffs is expected to broadly mirror the current 10% levy, providing continuity while the administration weighs additional trade measures. However, officials are also pursuing separate investigations that could provide the legal basis for imposing steeper duties on selected imports in the coming months.
Reuters said it could not immediately verify the Financial Times report, and the White House had not officially announced the proposed measures at the time of publication.
The expected move comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue an aggressive trade agenda aimed at reducing the US trade deficit, encouraging domestic manufacturing and pressuring trading partners to negotiate new commercial arrangements with Washington.
The temporary 10% tariff, introduced earlier this year as part of a broader overhaul of US trade policy, was presented as an interim measure while the administration reviewed trading relationships with multiple countries. Its scheduled expiry on Friday has fuelled speculation over whether the White House would extend the existing tariff regime, replace it with country-specific duties or introduce higher rates.
According to the Financial Times, the administration appears to favour retaining a baseline tariff of around 10% for many countries in the near term. At the same time, it is examining legal avenues that could justify higher tariffs under US trade laws, potentially allowing for tougher action against countries that Washington believes engage in unfair trade practices or pose national security concerns.
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Such investigations could significantly expand the administration’s flexibility in imposing tariffs without requiring new legislation. Previous US administrations have relied on similar statutory provisions to levy duties on imports ranging from steel and aluminium to technology products.
The prospect of fresh tariffs is likely to draw close attention from businesses and global markets, particularly companies with complex international supply chains. Importers may face higher costs if tariffs are expanded or increased, while exporters in affected countries could see reduced competitiveness in the US market.
The announcement also comes amid ongoing uncertainty in global trade, with companies continuing to reassess sourcing strategies and manufacturing footprints in response to evolving tariff policies. Economists have warned that prolonged trade barriers can raise costs for businesses and consumers, although supporters argue they help protect domestic industries and strengthen the country’s negotiating position.
If implemented, the new tariffs would mark another escalation in the Trump administration’s use of import duties as a central instrument of trade policy. While the initial measures are expected to remain close to the existing 10% rate, the possibility of higher tariffs through additional investigations suggests that further changes to US trade policy could follow in the months ahead.
Neither the White House nor the Office of the US Trade Representative had formally commented on the report at the time Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the claims.
