Trump Raises Tariffs on China to 125%, Announces 90-Day Pause for Other Nations

In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on Chinese imports would be raised to 125%, up from the previous rate of 104%. The new tariff rate will take effect at midnight.

Citing China’s “lack of respect” for global markets, Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, 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,” he stated.

Alongside the tariff hike targeting Beijing, the President also introduced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most other countries, offering temporary relief amid mounting global backlash. During this pause, a reduced reciprocal tariff of 10% will apply.

“I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately,” Trump wrote.

The decision marks a significant turnaround, occurring less than 24 hours after the U.S. had implemented a 104% tariff on Chinese goods—prompting an immediate response from China, which raised tariffs on American imports to 84%.

The rapid sequence of moves has rattled global markets, increased fears of a looming recession, and triggered strong retaliatory measures from China and the European Union.