Trump Pauses Tariffs for 90 Days for Non-Retaliatory Countries, Hikes China Tariff to 125%

President Donald Trump announced that he raised China's tariff to 125% on Wednesday. He also authorized a 90-day pause on tariffs for countries that have reached out to address trade deficits. US stock indexes rose on the news.

Announcement: Trump wrote on Truth Social: 

• "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. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable."
• "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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

How The Media Covered It: A headline from TIME (Lean Left bias) read, "Adam Schiff Calls For Insider Trading Investigation into Trump Over Tariff Pause". Wall Street Journal (Center) highlighted how Trump said he watched JPMorganChase CEO Jamie Dimon's comments on tariffs before announcing the pause. Fox Business (Lean Right) highlighted how Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the pause was due in part to Trump wanting to be "personally involved" in the negotiations.

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