Trump raises China tariffs to 125%, offers 90‑day break for others

The President of the USA announced on Wednesday evening that he is raising tariffs on China to 125 percent but suspending tariffs for other countries for 90 days. This refers to the additional tariffs he announced last Wednesday, which were supposed to take effect from April 9. During these three months, countries including the EU, which means Poland as well, will be subject to tariffs amounting to 10 percent. The American stock market reacted immediately, with investors greeting this decision with enthusiasm.

This turn in the matter of mass tariffs occurred a day after the President and White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt assured that he was not considering a 90-day suspension of tariffs.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained Donald Trump's latest decision on Wednesday evening, saying, "Over those following few days from April 2 we had, I think we're up to 70 countries, contact the White House for how to come and negotiate." China did not do this; instead, they raised their tariffs on American products in retaliation. As Bessent noted, this is why the 90-day break does not apply to them.

Answering journalists' questions, the Treasury Secretary denied that the President's recent tariff moves create uncertainty, which markets and businesses dislike. He suggested that investors should be confident that the President is implementing the right strategy and that matters are heading in the right direction.

"Based on the disrespect that China has shown towards global markets, I hereby increase the tariff imposed on China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately," wrote Donald Trump in a post on his social media platform, 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," he added.

To recap, Donald Trump announced last Wednesday "retaliatory tariffs" on the entire world: 10 percent on all imports and 25 percent on foreign cars. General tariffs took effect on April 5, and additional ones for individual countries were supposed to begin on April 9.

The retaliatory tariffs imposed on the EU were supposed to reach 20 percent. On Wednesday, April 9, the European Union decided to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on American goods in retaliation for tariffs imposed by the USA on steel and aluminum. Hungary was the only country to vote against the tariffs.