In a series of statements on Monday, Trump pledged to impose tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, lumber, semiconductors, aluminium and other sectors, in addition to the "reciprocal tariffs" already slated for April 2.

These pronouncements have injected significant uncertainty into global markets, with his administration's messaging causing widespread confusion.

The president's remarks, delivered during a Cabinet meeting and subsequent White House events, created a whirlwind of speculation. "We'll be announcing cars very shortly," Trump stated, adding, "We’ll be announcing pharmaceuticals at some point." He later expanded the list to include lumber and semiconductors, indicating that these tariffs would follow "down the road."

However, the precise timing and scope of these tariffs remain unclear. Trump's conflicting statements regarding the April 2 deadline have exacerbated the confusion. Initially, he suggested that all tariffs, including the sectoral ones, would take effect on that date. "Yeah, it’s going to be everything," he asserted. But he quickly backtracked, clarifying, "but not all tariffs are included that day." He further hinted that auto tariffs might be announced before the reciprocal tariffs are implemented.

This ambiguity contradicts reports from the Wall Street Journal, which indicated that industry-specific tariffs were likely to be excluded from the April 2 rollout.

Adding to the complexity, Trump also announced a 25% tariff on all countries purchasing oil and gas from Venezuela, underscoring his administration's aggressive trade stance. "We’ve been ripped off by every country in the world," Trump declared, emphasizing his determination to rectify perceived trade imbalances.

The market's reaction to Trump's pronouncements was immediate. Major stock indexes experienced a surge following reports that the president might be moderating his tariff plans. However, the subsequent clarification, or lack thereof, has introduced renewed volatility.

A White House official initially told CNBC that the sectoral tariffs "may happen or may not," stating that "no final decision’s been made as far as sectoral being tacked onto reciprocal." This statement further highlighted the administration's internal uncertainty.

Adding to the trade confusion, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, during the same cabinet meeting, remarked that on April 2, the U.S. will launch what he called “the external revenue service.” This statement, referencing the date of the reciprocal tariffs, adds to the general questions of the roll out and implementation.

The potential impact of these tariffs on key industries is substantial. The automotive sector, already facing supply chain disruptions, could see increased costs and reduced competitiveness. The pharmaceutical industry, reliant on global supply chains, may experience price hikes and potential shortages. The lumber and semiconductor industries, crucial for various manufacturing sectors, could also face significant disruptions.

As the April 2 deadline approaches, businesses and investors are anxiously awaiting further clarification from the White House. The lack of a clear, consistent message from the administration has created an environment of heightened uncertainty, potentially impacting investment decisions and economic stability.