In April 2025, the administration of Donald Trump implemented a temporary pause on tariffs for imports from over 75 countries, with a reciprocal rate reduced to 10% for 90 days. This measure aimed to alleviate global trade tensions and stabilize financial markets, which had experienced a significant decline due to aggressive tariff policies. However, imports from China faced an increase in tariffs, reaching 125%, intensifying trade disputes between the two countries. President Trump defended this strategy as a victory for domestic production and reducing the trade deficit.

The pause on tariffs for countries like Mexico and Canada resulted from bilateral agreements that included commitments on border security and drug control. For example, Mexico deployed 10,000 personnel to curb the trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S., allowing for the temporary suspension of 25% tariffs on its exports.

Despite these efforts, trade relations with China remained tense, with Beijing denying active negotiations and warning about potential shifts in supply chains to countries like India, Vietnam, and Mexico.

In summary, the pause on tariffs represented an attempt to de-escalate global trade tensions, although with significant exceptions that reflect the complexity of international trade relations.