Trump Declares 90-Day Tariff Pause for Most Nations, Increases China Duties to 125%

Trump Declares 90-Day Tariff Pause for Most Nations, Increases China Duties to 125%

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs on imports from most countries, while sharply escalating economic pressure on China by raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida on Tuesday, Trump described the tariff relief as a move to ease global economic tension and support U.S. supply chains, but made it clear that China would not benefit from this temporary pause.

“While we’re offering a break to our friends and partners, China continues to abuse global trade. They will now face a 125% tariff on all imports to protect American workers and industry,” Trump said.

The decision to temporarily suspend tariffs for other trading partners has been welcomed by U.S. manufacturers and importers struggling with rising costs. However, the massive hike in tariffs on Chinese products signals a hardline continuation of Trump’s long-standing trade war with Beijing.

Strategic Shift in Trade Policy

Trade analysts view this dual move as a strategic balancing act — softening the economic blow for allies while reinforcing Trump’s tough-on-China stance, a key pillar of his political narrative.

“This is a calibrated tactic,” said Rebecca Nolan, a trade policy expert at the Brookings Institution. “He’s trying to revive trade momentum with allied nations while showing zero tolerance toward China’s trade practices.”

China has yet to officially respond to the announcement, but analysts expect retaliatory measures if the tariff hike is enforced.

Economic and Political Implications

The sharp tariff escalation could reignite trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, potentially disrupting global markets and bilateral cooperation. On the other hand, the tariff freeze for other nations is expected to boost trade flows and offer temporary relief to American businesses.

Trump, who is currently campaigning for a return to the White House in 2025, has made economic nationalism a cornerstone of his policy platform. The announcement adds fuel to his narrative of “America First” and signals what his trade approach would look like if re-elected.