1. Relaxing restrictions on most countries for 90 days
On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of new tariffs on over 70 countries (including the EU, Japan, South Korea, etc.), meaning that the originally planned tariffs will not be imposed for the time being. However, China has been excluded and remains the only target for increased tariffs.
2. Doubling tariffs on China
Tariffs on Chinese goods will rise directly from 104% to 125% (some reports indicate it could reach 145%), which means nearly doubling the tax on each item. Trump demands that China must make 'substantial concessions' before considering a tax reduction, otherwise high tariffs may be maintained long-term.
3. The domestic situation in the US is in turmoil
12 states have jointly sued Trump, claiming that his imposition of tariffs is illegal and exceeds his authority.
Companies like Tesla have canceled orders from China due to soaring costs.
Economists warn that US inflation may rise another 2%, putting 5.5 million people at risk of unemployment.
4. The international community's reactions are polarized
The EU is temporarily not retaliating against the US, but it clearly states that this is just a 'strategic delay'. China has announced countermeasures, including an 84% tariff on US goods and restrictions on rare earth exports.
In simple terms:
Trump wants to adopt a strategy of 'softness towards others and toughness towards China'. However, American businesses and the public have already suffered, and Chinese companies are also looking for ways to cope.
For example, shifting to other markets, developing specialized products, and even American consumers have started secretly buying Chinese goods through Canada. This trade war is like 'killing a thousand enemies while harming eight hundred of your own', ultimately no one benefits.
