In a significant recalibration of US trade policy, President Donald Trump on April 9 announced a sweeping 90-day pause on new tariffs for over 75 countries, dramatically reversing course just one day after elevated duties came into effect. The move, hailed by the White House as a demonstration of strategic strength, simultaneously escalates the trade conflict with China by raising its tariffs to 125 percent. The decision ignited a euphoric market rally and marks a new phase in the administration’s aggressive trade agenda.
Highlights:
Trump enacts 90-day tariff pause for over 75 countries while raising China tariffs to 125%.
Treasury Secretary Bessent calls it a “successful negotiating strategy.”
Global markets rebound sharply following the announcement.
Strategic Tariff Recalibration: Rewarding Compliance, Punishing Defiance
The new tariff structure unveiled by the White House is both punitive and incentivizing. Countries that refrained from retaliating against earlier US trade actions have been offered a dramatically lowered 10 percent baseline tariff, effective immediately and valid for 90 days. In stark contrast, China faces a 125 percent tariff rate, signaling Washington’s intent to isolate and pressure Beijing amidst an already tense trade standoff.
Speaking from the White House lawn, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear the rationale: “Do not retaliate and you will be rewarded.” Echoing this sentiment, the White House published a statement on X (formerly Twitter) reiterating this stance with a video clip of Bessent reinforcing the message. According to Bessent, over 75 countries responded positively to this approach and have signaled willingness to enter trade negotiations under these terms.
Highlights:
White House enforces a bifurcated policy: low tariffs for allies, severe penalties for adversaries.
The 10% baseline applies to compliant countries for the duration of the 90-day window.
China singled out for heightened pressure due to its retaliatory trade actions.
Treasury Secretary Bessent Frames Tariff Pause as Deliberate, Not Reactive
In his remarks, Bessent rejected the notion that the tariff pause was a knee-jerk reaction to market instability. Instead, he framed it as the culmination of a deliberate strategy orchestrated by Trump, whom he credited with constructing a position of global negotiating leverage. “It took great courage — great courage — for him to stay the course until this moment,” Bessent emphasized, attributing the timing to a premeditated plan that was already in motion a week earlier.
Sources familiar with internal discussions revealed that Bessent and Trump met at Mar-a-Lago over the preceding weekend to review the geopolitical landscape and coordinate a pivot aimed at re-engaging countries in bilateral trade discussions. Bessent later disclosed that Trump would remain closely involved in future negotiations and would personally direct trade talks with key economies.
Highlights:
Bessent describes the move as strategic, not a reaction to stock market pressure.
Trump’s inner circle reportedly planned the shift during a weekend Mar-a-Lago meeting.
White House aims to reset global trade relationships with Trump at the helm.
China Tariff Raised to 125% Amid Escalating Confrontation
While the pause in tariffs will offer relief to many US allies and trade partners, China remains a central focus of Trump’s hardline approach. The US tariff on Chinese goods has now risen to 125 percent, from an earlier 104 percent, following what Washington sees as Beijing’s continued refusal to de-escalate the trade dispute. The administration accuses China of provocation, citing its retaliatory measures and failure to engage constructively in negotiations.
According to Bessent, China’s conduct over the past week confirmed Washington’s perception of it as a “bad actor” on the world stage. The Treasury Secretary further claimed that Trump had intentionally “goaded China into a bad position,” leaving it diplomatically and economically isolated as other nations embraced Washington’s trade overtures.
Highlights:
US tariff on Chinese imports increased to 125%.
Bessent accuses China of escalating tensions and missing diplomatic opportunities.
Washington positions itself as open to dialogue with all countries except China.
White House Leverages Trade for Diplomatic Control
The announcement reflects a broader pattern of using trade as a geopolitical lever. By tying tariff relief to cooperation and non-retaliation, the Trump administration is seeking to reorient international trade relationships on US terms. Bessent made it clear that countries open to negotiation would benefit from a reduced tariff regime, while those choosing confrontation would face heightened costs.
This framework enables the administration to not only apply economic pressure but also dictate the structure and pace of future trade discussions. The reintroduction of a lower baseline tariff for compliant countries—many of whom had previously been targeted—is also aimed at creating an incentive structure for long-term diplomatic alignment with US trade policy.
Highlights:
The US uses tariff leverage to compel diplomatic engagement.
Countries willing to negotiate will benefit from preferential treatment.
Tariffs are positioned as a tool for reshaping the global trade architecture.
Market Reaction: Global Rally Following Sudden Tariff Reprieve
Financial markets reacted strongly to the tariff pause, delivering the sharpest global rally since the 2008 crisis. The S&P 500 surged by more than 9 percent, while the Nasdaq 100 soared 12 percent, fueled by renewed investor confidence and the rollback of immediate recession fears. Bond yields stabilized, and risk appetite returned across global indices.
Asian markets saw their strongest single-day gains in over two years, led by a rebound in Chinese tech stocks and exporters. Despite China being targeted with higher tariffs, investors appeared optimistic that the policy shift would ease overall global trade tensions and potentially pave the way for future stabilization.
Highlights:
S&P 500 posts 9% gain; Nasdaq 100 jumps 12%.
Asian markets surge amid hopes of reduced trade tensions.
Bond yields stabilize as recession fears ease.
