Ackman predicts Trump may delay tariffs to strike deals

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump might postpone the implementation of his controversial tariffs to allow more time for negotiations. 

“I would not be surprised to wake up Monday with an announcement from the President that he was postponing the implementation of the tariffs to give him time to make deals,” stated Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, shared his view in an April 5 post.

The tariffs, which include a 10% baseline levy on all imports and harsher reciprocal tariffs on countries with significant trade deficits with the U.S., were set to take effect on April 5 and April 9, respectively. 

Ackman argued that the tight timeline leaves insufficient room for meaningful negotiations and warned of potential economic fallout if the measures proceed as planned.

Ackman emphasised the importance of resolving what he described as an “unfair tariff regime” that has harmed American workers and industries for decades. 

While acknowledging Trump’s commitment to addressing these issues, he urged the president to consider a temporary pause.

“The risk of not doing so is that the massive increase in uncertainty drives the economy into a recession, potentially a severe one,” Ackman cautioned.

The investor also highlighted concerns about the impact on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, which may struggle to adapt to sudden changes in supply chains. 

He stressed that a delay could provide companies with time to prepare for adjustments.

Ackman’s comments come amid heightened market volatility following Trump’s announcement. 

On April 4, U.S. stock markets experienced a historic $3.25 trillion loss in value, surpassing the entire cryptocurrency market cap. 

While some industry figures have supported the tariffs as a means of strengthening the U.S. economy, others share Ackman’s concerns about their potential consequences.