The stock market roared back to life this week. Trump’s decision to delay harsh new tariffs on the EU gave traders something to cheer about. Major indexes like the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all surged. Investors saw the pause as a sign of progress in US-EU trade talks. With tariffs off the table — at least for now — fears of a full-blown trade war cooled.
Consumer confidence also got a lift, snapping a five-month slump. That added fuel to the rally. Plus, bond yields dropped and the dollar strengthened. These moves hint that the global economy may be stabilizing. It’s clear that the stock market still moves quickly in response to Trump’s tariff threats — or lack of them.
Tariffs Fuel Treasury Gains but Stir Market Anxiety
Even as stocks rallied, Trump’s tariffs left their mark. US Treasury receipts from tariffs topped $22 billion in May alone. A single day, May 22, saw $16. billion flood into government coffers. That’s more than the entire month of March. Trump’s aggressive tariff moves have clearly boosted federal revenue.
Still, the numbers hide the real story. Tariffs may be filling government coffers, but they create uncertainty in the markets. Companies face higher costs, which can hurt earnings. Consumers may pay more, too. While Trump has pitched tariffs as a win, Wall Street remains cautious about long-term effects.
EU Rushes to Negotiate After Tariff Delay
After Trump pushed back the start of 50% EU tariffs, the European Union acted fast. EU trade officials agreed to speed up talks with the US. They’re focusing on key industries like semiconductors, autos, and pharmaceuticals. Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s top negotiator, said recent talks with Trump’s team were “positive.”
The delay gives both sides breathing room. But it’s clear tensions remain high. Trump has made it clear: if no deal is reached by July 9, the tariffs are back on. Meanwhile, the EU is preparing $108 billion in retaliatory tariffs just in case. With so much at stake, markets will be watching every headline.
Trump’s Tariffs: Tool or Threat in a Trade War?
Trump continues to treat tariffs like a lever. One moment, they’re a threat. The next, they’re a bargaining chip. He’s used tariffs to push for trade deals not just with the EU, but also with China and the UK. In May, he even teased new duties on tech giants like Apple and Samsung unless they move production to the US.
While Trump says tariffs bring money into the US and help cut taxes, experts are skeptical. Tariff revenue remains just a small part of total government income — far less than income tax. And while the short-term stock market reaction was positive, a wider trade war could bring more pain than profit.
Why the Stock Market Still Hangs on Tariff News
This week proved one thing: the stock market is still tied closely to Trump’s tariff moves. Every tweet, every pause, every threat sends ripples through global markets. A simple delay in the EU tariffs was enough to push the Dow up over 700 points. Tech stocks also jumped, led by Nvidia on optimism over AI chips.
But investors know the ride isn’t over. If talks fail, tariffs could return — and fast. And if Trump adds new sector-specific tariffs, volatility will spike again. For now, the trade war has entered a fragile ceasefire. But as always, in Trump’s economy, the next move is only a headline away.