#TariffsPause Comment on American tariffs: Trump tries to unite the world against China and calm the stock markets

Was it about isolating China or calming the markets? Or both?

Whatever the case, President Donald Trump surprised the world with his sudden decision to escalate the trade war against America's biggest competitor and delay the high tariffs imposed on its allies.

The Chinese president insisted that he would sit down at the negotiating table.

In a swift response to China's decision to match the tariffs imposed by the United States, Trump announced on April 9 that the rate of Chinese tariffs had risen to 125%.

At the same time, he issued a 90-day comment on the application of reciprocal tariffs imposed on trading partners with whom the United States is experiencing a trade deficit, including important allies in Asia such as Japan and South Korea.

Trump said in a post on "Truth Social": "Due to China's disrespect for global markets, I hereby raise the tariff imposed by the United States on China to 125%, effective immediately."

Until then, China faced tariffs of 104%. China responded with tariffs of 84%, which matches Trump's announcement of imposing "reciprocal" tariffs of 34%, and an additional 50% as a retaliatory reaction.