Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Why He Paused Most for 90 Days, But Not All

Folks, things just got a little twisty in the world of trade. Remember that big tariff announcement last week? The one that felt like it was going to hit *everyone*? Well, hold on a sec.

President Trump just dropped a new plan. Think of it as a global game of “Red Light, Green Light” with tariffs. Most countries? They get a 90-day breather. A pause. A chance to chill.

Here’s the deal:

• Over 75 countries played nice. They didn’t retaliate. They reached out to talk.
• Trump said they’ll get a 90-day break from the tariffs. A lower 10% “Reciprocal Tariff” during that time.

Who’s still in the hot seat? China. Big time.

China: Tariff Target Number One

China’s not getting a timeout. Nope. Instead, they’re facing *higher* tariffs. A whopping 125%, according to Trump’s Truth Social post.

Why the difference? Trump says it’s about respect. Or, more accurately, a perceived lack of it. He thinks China hasn’t been playing fair in the global market.

Ouch. That’s gotta sting.

Other Players: The EU, Mexico, and Canada

What about everyone else? It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

The European Union (EU) is firing back. They’re slapping tariffs of their own on U. S. goods, ranging from 10% to 25%.

Mexico and Canada? They’re getting a bit of a break. Tariffs on goods from those countries will be reduced to 10%.

The Big Picture: What Does It All Mean?

Honestly? It’s a little confusing. The White House isn’t releasing a full list of the 75 countries getting the pause. And the whole thing is subject to change.

But here’s what we *do* know:

• The initial plan was a universal tariff rate.
• It’s more like a tiered system. Some get a break, some get hit harder.
• The Treasury Secretary says this was the “strategy all along. ” Maybe.

Is it a negotiating tactic? A genuine attempt to level the playing field? Only time will tell.

One thing’s for sure: the world of trade is never boring.