AFP: US President Donald Trump signaled Tuesday that fresh tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors could be unveiled as soon as the coming week, as he presses on in efforts to reshape global trade.
Trump’s latest comments, in an interview on CNBC, come days before a separate set of tariff hikes takes effect on dozens of economies later this week.
The sweeping tariff plans have sparked a flurry of activity as governments seek to avert the worst of his threats — with Switzerland’s leaders heading to Washington on Tuesday in a last-minute push to avoid punitive duties.
But he appears set to widen his trade wars further.
The US president told CNBC that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, while adding that he plans for new duties on foreign semiconductors soon.
“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said.
“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country.”
Trump also said that Washington will be announcing tariffs “within the next week or so.”
He added: “We’re going to be announcing on semiconductors and chips.”
