The announcement, made via a post on Trump’s Truth Social account, caused U.S. markets to surge as investors welcomed the strategic reprieve for major trading partners. Trump explained that the tariff pause applied only to countries that refrained from retaliating after his initial wave of tariffs on April 2.

“Based on the lack of respect China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the tariff charge to China by the United States of America by 125%, effective immediately,” Trump wrote.

The president contrasted China’s belligerence with the cooperation of other nations that have shown restraint. Because they chose to negotiate rather than retaliate, Trump authorized what he called a “90-day PAUSE” in new tariff penalties and a “substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%.”

The move follows Trump’s declaration of a national emergency last week, which triggered reciprocal tariffs against more than 60 countries. At the time, Trump referred to the day as “Liberation Day,” signaling a seismic shift in the global trade landscape.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick praised Trump’s post, calling it “one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his presidency.” Lutnick said he and economist Scott Bessent were present as Trump crafted the statement. “The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction,” he added.

The administration’s high-stakes trade maneuvering has been aimed squarely at China, whose Communist Party leadership has continued to retaliate with its own tariffs. The latest 125% hike represents one of the harshest trade penalties levied against Beijing since the early days of the U.S.-China trade war under Trump’s first term.

U.S. financial markets appeared to respond positively to the news. Analysts say the tariff freeze provided much-needed clarity for companies concerned about international supply chains, while the tough stance on China reassured Trump’s America First base.

The tariff battle with Beijing has been escalating since April 2, when Trump unleashed his global tariff blitz and warned that nations attempting to undercut U.S. interests through currency manipulation, unfair subsidies, or regulatory barriers would face consequences.

According to administration officials, the temporary pause gives the U.S. leverage to secure better trade terms with cooperative nations, while isolating China economically. It also sends a clear message to global markets: work with Washington, or face severe consequences.

As of Wednesday, there was no official response from Beijing to the latest 125% tariff escalation, though state media has in recent days ramped up its rhetoric, accusing the U.S. of “economic bullying.”

This story is still developing, and further updates are expected as international reactions unfold.