President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to implementing trade tariffs with a focus on "flexibility" and "reciprocity" during a CNBC interview on Friday, signaling a nuanced approach to his ambitious "Fair and Reciprocal Plan."

Speaking from the White House, Trump emphasized that while the core of his tariff policy remains matching duties imposed by foreign nations on U.S. goods, he is open to adjustments. “There will be flexibility with tariffs, but basically it’s reciprocal,” he stated, underscoring his intent to level the playing field for American businesses.

The remarks come amid growing market jitters and global pushback following his February 13 memorandum, which directed agencies to assess non-reciprocal trade practices and propose equivalent tariffs by April 1. Trump’s plan targets countries with higher tariffs on U.S. exports—like India’s 30% duty on motorcycles versus the U.S.’s 2.4%—and non-tariff barriers, such as the EU’s value-added taxes.

He argues this will shrink the U.S.’s $1 trillion goods trade deficit and bolster domestic industries, a stance he’s championed since his first term.

However, Trump’s nod to flexibility suggests a pragmatic shift, possibly to ease tensions with allies like Canada and Mexico, already hit with suspended 25% tariffs, or to temper fears of inflation spikes forecast by economists. S&P Global Ratings recently estimated a 0.7% rise in U.S. consumer prices from existing levies.

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising the softened rhetoric as markets rallied Friday, while others see it as flip-flopping.

As the April deadline looms, Trump’s balancing act between reciprocity and flexibility will face scrutiny. With retaliation looming from the EU and China, his strategy could either spark negotiations or ignite a broader trade war, reshaping global commerce.