The White House said it will issue an order "in the near future" clarifying that imports of gold bars are not subject to U.S. tariffs, reversing earlier guidance that had jolted bullion markets. A White House official told reporters the move is intended to “clear up misinformation” after a customs ruling earlier on 8 August appeared to bring gold bars under the administration’s import-duty regime. The initial notice stunned traders who had assumed the metal was exempt, sending gold futures in New York to fresh highs before spot prices fell on word of the forthcoming clarification. Market participants said the confusion briefly disrupted physical deliveries from major refining hubs such as Switzerland. Gold bars had generally been viewed as outside the scope of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff programme, which already imposes a 145% levy on a wide range of Chinese goods. The administration did not specify when the new directive will be published, but officials said details would be posted as soon as they are finalised.