(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on his wave of reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday, but he turned up the pressure on China boosting his 104% tariff on imports from China to 125%.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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.”
Trump said he would pause the remaining tariffs as he looks to make trade deals.
“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,” Trump continued. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
On Monday, the White House denied that Trump was considering a 90-day pause on tariffs. Stocks have continued to decline since Trump made the announcement, intensifying criticism against the president.
Critics argue the tariffs will hurt the economy and the nation’s trading relationships abroad and that costs will be passed on to American consumers.
Trump and his backers have said some temporary pain would result from tariffs but that they would lead to a new wave of domestic manufacturing and raise federal revenue.
