According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is narrowing its planned April 2 tariff rollout, shelving previously proposed industry-specific levies on sectors such as cars and microchips. Instead, it will move forward with reciprocal tariffs aimed at around 15 key trading partners, dubbed the “dirty 15,” that maintain persistent trade imbalances with the U.S.

While planning remains fluid, the shift signals a more targeted strategy focused on matching the tariffs those countries impose on U.S. goods. The revised approach avoids a broader tariff structure initially floated, as businesses and foreign governments await clarity and brace for the potential economic impact.