Goldman Sachs: Trump's Trade Strategy Signals Potential Tariffs and Negotiation Leverage

Goldman Sachs analysts indicate that President Trump’s “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” could reshape U.S. trade policies, aligning tariffs, taxes, and non-tariff barriers with those of major trading partners. The firm cites a memo suggesting that while no firm deadline has been set, the administration expects to unveil the plan between April and August. Analysts view the extended timeline as a potential signal aimed at encouraging trade negotiations.

The investment bank maintains its outlook, forecasting another 10% tariff on Chinese imports and additional duties on key sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles from the European Union. Although a broad reciprocal tariff policy remains unlikely, Goldman Sachs notes that a narrower version could emerge, targeting select trading partners later this year.

According to the report, Trump’s trade strategy appears to be a tactical effort to apply pressure on trading partners while maintaining flexibility for negotiation, reflecting ongoing U.S. trade policy trends.