Moments ago, CNBC provided some much needed clarity, when it reported that list of products subject to new tariffs is expected to include between 800 and 900 products, slightly less than the original list of about 1,300 products published by the U.S. Trade Representative in April; still, the dollar value of goods subject to protectionism remained unclear.

Trump would make a final decision whether to impose the tariffs on Thursday afternoon when the president meets with his advisors, however, a CNBC source said the move was "fait accompli."

The person notes that the administration has circulated talking points for the tariff actions among 10 government agencies. In addition, a list of products has already been uploaded to a government database for implementation.

The White House, U.S. Trade Representative and Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests to comment.