Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said the central bank could halt its expected policy easing—or even raise interest rates—if the new U.S. tariffs drive consumer prices higher. In an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Kashkari stated that the Fed must keep inflation on a sustainable path and would respond decisively should the trade measures add upward pressure. Washington’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports, in force since 9 April, has rekindled debate over the balance between trade protection and price stability. Kashkari, normally regarded as among the most dovish members of the Federal Open Market Committee, signaled that the bar for additional tightening remains low if the levies translate into broader price gains.