Faith Nyasuguta
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on the imposition of new tariffs across several countries, signaling a temporary softening of his administration’s hardline trade policy. The move marks a strategic shift in a months-long tariff campaign that has rattled global markets and sparked fears of prolonged trade wars.
During this 90-day window, the United States will also implement a new policy of reciprocal tariffs. Imports from countries that impose similar tariffs on U.S. goods will now face a flat 10% duty, significantly lower than previous rates. The aim, Trump said, is to encourage fairer trade practices while easing tensions that have emerged in recent months.
“I have authorised a 90-day pause, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately,” Trump wrote in a statement posted on Truth Social. He added that the decision was designed to allow for renewed dialogue and provide a “cooling-off” period for negotiations.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over the global economic fallout from the United States’ increasingly aggressive trade stance. Since early this year, Trump’s administration has introduced sweeping tariffs on imports from countries including key allies and rivals. These measures have led to retaliatory actions and increased instability in global markets.
White House officials say the temporary tariff pause is a calculated effort to open diplomatic channels and allow for trade negotiations to proceed without the added pressure of new economic penalties. Trump’s team has confirmed that more than 75 countries are currently engaged in discussions with senior officials from the Departments of Commerce and Treasury, as well as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
These talks reportedly cover a wide range of issues, including long-standing tariff disputes, non-tariff barriers, and currency manipulation. Trump has framed the lack of retaliation from these countries as a diplomatic win, suggesting that his administration’s approach is compelling trade partners to cooperate rather than confront.
“At my strong suggestion, none of the nations we’re speaking with have taken retaliatory action,” Trump stated. “This shows real progress toward fixing the deep imbalances in global trade.”
The decision to pause tariffs has been welcomed by some global leaders and economic analysts who see it as a necessary de-escalation. Global markets responded with cautious optimism, and several U.S. industries burdened by retaliatory tariffs have expressed hope for lasting relief.
However, trade experts warn that the pause may be temporary, and the broader goals of the administration suggest a continued preference for protectionist measures. Trump’s America First approach to trade has consistently emphasized domestic production, job protection, and reducing trade deficits,often at the expense of long-established global trade norms.
China Still Targeted
Notably, the 90-day pause does not apply to China. In fact, Trump has intensified his campaign against Beijing by raising tariffs on select Chinese goods to a staggering 125%. The move follows weeks of escalating tensions between the two nations, with both sides implementing tit-for-tat economic penalties.
“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 declared.
He added, “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A. and other countries are no longer sustainable or acceptable.”
Beijing has already responded with new countermeasures targeting key U.S. exports, raising fears that the trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies could escalate further. Economists warn that continued hostilities could result in long-term disruptions to global supply chains and reduced investor confidence worldwide.
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