Trump suspends tariffs for 90 days, except for China/Stock markets rise significantly

2025-04-10 07:57:00, Ekonomi CNA

Trump suspends tariffs for 90 days, except for China/Stock markets rise

United States President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day temporary suspension of tariffs on a number of trading partners, excluding China, on which tariffs have been significantly increased. The decision comes at a sensitive time for the global economy and has been welcomed by international financial markets, while prompting mixed reactions in Europe.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the president's announcement caused an immediate rise in US stock markets. The S&P 500 index rose 9.5%, while the Nasdaq registered a strong increase of 12.2%, figures not seen since the post-World War II period. This was interpreted as a stabilizing signal to investors, after months of uncertainty related to US trade policies.

Meanwhile, tariffs on Chinese imports have risen to 125%, indicating that trade tensions between Washington and Beijing are continuing to deepen. According to a Reuters analysis, these new measures could increase costs for American manufacturers and consumers, also affecting global supply chains.

Europe, which has often been the target of US tariffs under the Trump administration, has welcomed the temporary suspension as a positive but insufficient step. According to the Financial Times, European Union officials in Brussels have expressed relief, stating that “this is a moment to resume constructive dialogue on transatlantic trade relations.” Officials from Germany and France have called for the suspension to be followed by new, more structured negotiations to avoid a return to tariffs in the near future.

A European official, quoted by the Financial Times, said: “Tariffs have been a serious obstacle to our exports to the US. This latest decision by the Trump administration gives us some breathing room, but it is not enough to guarantee economic security in the long term.”

Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Taiwan and other Asian countries have seen the recent developments as an opportunity to advance trade dialogue with the United States. Taiwanese officials have stated that the suspension of tariffs “gives time and space for negotiations to reach a more sustainable agreement.”

In the US, the decision has received support from Republican lawmakers. According to the AP, some senators have pointed out that previously imposed tariffs had begun to hurt American exporters and consumers, so this action is seen as a necessary correction. “This is a good step towards calming markets and strengthening our position in global trade,” a Republican senator told the AP.

However, expert analysis is not entirely optimistic. According to Breakingviews by Reuters, although Trump's decision to suspend tariffs for a three-month period may have immediate positive effects, the consequences of the trade wars of recent years have left deep marks on investor confidence and international economic relations. "The damage is done. Any recovery will take time and coordinated international efforts," the Reuters analysis says.

Tariffs with Europe

On April 9, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of tariff increases for most trading partners, including the European Union (EU). During this period, tariffs for these countries will return to 10%, while existing tariffs of 25% on steel, aluminum, and auto imports will remain in effect.

This means that, for the EU, general tariffs on US imports have been temporarily reduced to 10%, but specific tariffs of 25% on steel, aluminium and vehicles continue to apply. In addition, tariffs on auto parts are expected to come into effect on 3 May. ?

Meanwhile, tariffs on Chinese imports have increased to 125%, reflecting ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.

Overall, the temporary suspension of tariffs is intended to create space for further trade negotiations between the US and its partners, including the EU. However, tariffs on key sectors, such as steel, aluminum and vehicles, remain a point of tension in transatlantic trade relations. Monitor.al