Trump Pauses Reciprocal Tariffs for 90 Days, Except for China

In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that the reciprocal tariff rate would be reduced to 10% during the suspension period. “I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately,” he wrote.

However, Trump made it clear that China would not benefit from the pause. Citing China's "lack of respect" for global markets, he declared that tariffs on Chinese goods would rise from 104% to 125%. “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,” he added.

The tariff hike comes in response to Beijing’s announcement of new retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods, which are set to take effect Thursday. The Trump administration has long criticized China’s trade practices and continues to treat Beijing as a primary target in its trade agenda.

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus welcomed the pause, expressing gratitude to Trump for the temporary reprieve. “Thank you, Mr. President, (@POTUS) for responding positively to our request for a 90-day pause on tariffs. We will continue to work with your administration in support of your trade agenda,” Yunus said, according to his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commended Trump’s leadership, saying, “The President has shown great courage to stay the course until this moment.” He urged other nations not to retaliate, promising that those who choose cooperation would be “rewarded.” Bessent emphasized the administration's openness to dialogue: “This move signals that President Trump cares about trade and that we want to negotiate in good faith.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was with Trump during the announcement, echoed Bessent’s sentiments. “Scott Bessent and I sat with the President while he wrote one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his Presidency,” Lutnick posted on X. “The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction.”

The markets responded enthusiastically. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared by 2,200 points (5.9%), the S&P 500 rose 6.5%, and the Nasdaq jumped over 8%, buoyed by relief over the easing of tariff tensions—excluding China.

Despite the broader tariff pause, Trump did not roll back the recently implemented 10% universal tariff on all trading partners, except Canada and Mexico. Bessent confirmed that countries previously subject to reciprocal tariffs will continue to face the 10% levy during the 90-day window.