In a surprise move that could ease tensions in global trade, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a tariff pause of 90 days for all countries that have refrained from retaliating against the United States. The announcement, made through a post on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday afternoon, signals a temporary shift in Trump’s aggressive trade policy as negotiations gain momentum.
A Strategic Pause in Tariff Policy
Trump said he authorized the pause after over 75 countries contacted U.S. officials, including representatives from the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR). These countries expressed interest in resolving issues related to trade barriers, tariffs, currency manipulation, and non-monetary trade practices.
Emphasizing that these countries had not retaliated against the U.S., Trump declared a 90-day suspension of new tariffs. He also introduced a reduced “Reciprocal Tariff” rate of 10%, effective immediately, during this negotiation window.
Read: Global Trade War Intensifies as China Strikes Back With 84% Tariffs on US Goods
Trump’s Statement
“Based on the fact that more than 75 countries have contacted our representatives to negotiate key trade issues—and have not retaliated against the United States in any form—I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a lowered Reciprocal Tariff of 10%, effective immediately,” Trump wrote on X.
The statement suggests Trump is using this temporary reprieve as leverage to push forward on trade talks while showing goodwill to cooperating nations.
What Triggered the Shift?
This shift comes amid growing concerns over escalating global trade tensions, which have caused significant market volatility and impacted consumer confidence. The earlier implementation of tariffs had triggered fears of a broader trade war, prompting many countries to seek diplomatic solutions instead of imposing countermeasures.
As a result, Trump appears to be rewarding those who opted for dialogue over retaliation, using the pause as a diplomatic tool to pressure other nations into joining negotiations under favorable conditions.
Mixed Reactions Globally
The move drew mixed reactions. Some international leaders welcomed the pause, seeing it as an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions without the immediate threat of new tariffs. Others remain cautious, viewing the announcement as a temporary tactic that may not lead to long-term stability unless followed by concrete agreements.
Trade experts believe the 90-day window could either ease global tensions or deepen uncertainty if negotiations fail. The reduced tariff rate of 10% is seen as a compromise—lower than previous rates but still a signal that protectionist policies remain in play.
The Road Ahead
During this period, the U.S. will likely hold multiple high-level meetings with international counterparts to address critical trade imbalances and market access concerns. Key issues such as currency manipulation and non-monetary barriers are expected to dominate discussions.
While the tariff pause provides temporary relief, the next three months will be crucial in determining whether this leads to lasting reforms or simply delays further conflict. With multiple countries now at the negotiating table, the world will closely watch how the United States navigates this delicate balance between assertiveness and cooperation.
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