#BREAKING: Trump Backs Off - Everyone but China! Announces 90 Day Tariff Pause For Most Countries
Trump Pumps the Brakes: 90-Day Tariff Pause Signals Shift—Except for China
President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday a 90-day pause on his sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs for most countries, dialing back a policy that had sparked global trade chaos—though China remains in the crosshairs. The surprise move, posted on Truth Social, offers a breather to nations reeling from duties as high as 104%, but Trump doubled down on Beijing, hiking its tariffs to 125% “effective immediately.”
Trump's morning post on Truth Social reads "Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable. Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Allies like India, eyeing a fall BTA deadline, and the EU, which hit back with $23 billion in tariffs, may see this as a window to talk. Critics, including billionaire Bill Ackman, had warned of an “economic nuclear winter,” urging a timeout. Trump’s advisers, like Kevin Hassett, hinted at flexibility, but the White House had swatted down earlier pause rumors as “fake news.” Now, it’s real—except for China, where the trade war just got hotter. Markets may bounce, but with Beijing defiant and global nerves frayed, this 90-day truce could be less a fix, more a fuse.
