U.S. pauses reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, but hits China again

United States President Donal Trump announced on social media today (April 9) that he will pause reciprocal tariffs on all countries for 90 days, with the exception of China, which he slapped a 125 per cent tariff on due to it raising retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. to 84 per cent.

“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“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.”

Trump announced April 2 that several countries would face reciprocal tariffs on imports into the U.S. Canada and Mexico escaped additional tariffs, with the exception of non-USMCA-compliant products.