After days of steadfastly defending his decision to implement extensive "reciprocal" tariffs on numerous countries, Donald Trump and his administration have now stepped back, announcing a pause on the planned tariff hikes. 

This shift came after news surfaced that the president was considering a 90-day break, which briefly spurred a surge in the stock market.

The White House insists that the tariff hiatus was always part of the plan, aimed at facilitating future negotiations with individual countries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that more than 75 nations had reached out, signaling a shift in the global economic landscape.

The abrupt reversal raised questions about whether Trump’s move was a tactical retreat in response to unexpected pushback or a clever negotiation maneuver in line with his “art of the deal” approach. 

Regardless, his aides quickly framed the tariff suspension as part of a larger strategy, with trade advisor Peter Navarro asserting that things were unfolding as planned.

Details of the tariff pause, announced via Trump’s Truth Social account, remained unclear for hours, leaving international partners to await clarification. 

Although the suspension applied broadly, there were lingering questions about specific sectors and the treatment of Mexico, Canada, and the EU.

Trump later acknowledged the stock market’s instability, which may have influenced his shift in stance, but remained resolute that his actions were necessary to address the US economy's deep-rooted issues. 

Meanwhile, Democrats criticized Trump’s chaotic approach, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeling it a retreat.

The tariff pause marks a temporary easing of tensions, though Trump’s ongoing trade war with China, including 125% tariffs, may continue to have significant global economic consequences.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 1147 HRS, APR 10, 2025
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