Lessons From The Apprentice? Trump’s Tariff Flip-Flops And Rollbacks

With less than three weeks left before Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on India and other countries take effect, uncertainty looms large. However, there are signs that Trump may soften his stance — something he has done repeatedly in recent months. Despite announcing steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, Trump has repeatedly rolled back or delayed these measures under economic and political pressure. In just over a month, he has adjusted tariff deadlines four times, often in response to backlash from automakers, retailers, and strategic trade partners. His latest moves—including a phased approach to tariffs on China and exemptions for key industries—suggest that Trump uses tariffs as a negotiating tool rather than a rigid policy. For India, this could be a strong opportunity to negotiate a better deal before the deadline kicks in. Will Trump’s pattern of last-minute tariff rollbacks continue? Can India avoid the worst impact of these trade measures?