Besen Says Trump Has Normalized 15-20% Tariffs

Summary

U.S. Treasury’s Bessent says Trump has normalized the idea of a 15-20% tariff.marketscreener

Impact Analysis

So Bessent is basically admitting that Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have become the new normal. This is a big deal because it suggests that the U.S. might continue to use high tariffs as a standard tool in its trade policy arsenal. The timing is interesting too—right before the Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of these tariffs. If the Court rules against Trump, the administration might pivot to other legal mechanisms to maintain high tariffs. This could mean sustained pressure on import costs, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and impacting inflation. For companies reliant on imports, this is a clear signal to brace for continued cost pressures. On the flip side, domestic producers might benefit from reduced competition. Bottom line—expect volatility in sectors sensitive to trade policy, and consider positioning in domestic-focused companies that could gain from this protectionist stance.marketscreener+ 2