by M. K. Matthews

The only certainty is that nothing is certain. – Pliny the Elder

President Trump has delayed his decision on whether or not he'll be imposing tariffs, and it's making the whole world uneasy.

The anxiously awaited decision has been delayed on imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum on the EU, Canada, and Mexico for 30 days. The EU has promised retaliation of its own with a list of U.S. goods imported to Europe if it loses exemption status that is worth about $3.5 billion. The postponement will avoid a potential trade war with Europe as the U.S. engages in strategic trade talks with China this week.

China, Russia, and Japan have yet to be granted exemption status and steel shipments from those countries are anticipated to dwindle over time as a result. Recently, we published a huge list of all the items that will cost Americans 20-40% more should the tariffs come to pass.

Policy uncertainty is everywhere.

Uncertainty has slowed overall market movement for the month of April. The White House to do list is extensive and investors are waiting for decisions before making any major moves. The uncertainty includes

*the Iran nuclear deal

*the TPP

*the various tariff decisions that remain unsettled

*the possibility of a revised NAFTA

*a meeting of the Federal Reserve this week

Also under consideration is whether to permanently exempt EU, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil from the tariffs imposed last month on imported steel and aluminum.

All of these things are weighing down the market. This will not be cleared up quickly.

Here are the decisions that HAVE been made.

The Trump administration announced on Monday it had come to an agreement with South Korea on steel imports resulting in a revised trade agreement. Agreements in principle have been reached with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil regarding steel and aluminum that will be finalized soon.