Just hours before the trade ceasefire between the United States and China was due to end, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would postpone the planned hike in tariffs on Chinese goods. The new deadline is November 10.
On his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, “I have just signed an Executive Order that will extend the Tariff Suspension on China for another 90 days.”
Trade War Background
Earlier this year, both countries slapped increasingly high tariffs on each other’s goods. Rates soared into triple digits, disrupting global trade. In May, Washington and Beijing agreed to a temporary truce, lowering tariffs and giving themselves time to negotiate.
According to the executive order released Monday, the White House still sees the “large and persistent annual US goods trade deficits” as a threat to America’s national security and economy. However, it also acknowledged that China has “taken significant steps toward remedying” US trade concerns.
Timeline of the Tariff Battle
-
Jan 21 – A day after taking office, Trump threatened a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, citing the fentanyl crisis.
-
Feb 1 – US set tariffs at 0% for China but 25% for Mexico and Canada over drug and immigration issues.
-
Feb 4 – China retaliated with levies on US goods, including coal, LNG, oil, and autos, and restricted exports of critical metals.
-
Mar 3-4 – US raised fentanyl-related tariffs on all Chinese imports to 20%; China answered with 10–15% duties on US farm products and restrictions on 25 US firms.
-
Apr 2-4 – Trump imposed sweeping “liberation day” tariffs, with 34% on Chinese goods. China hit back with 34% tariffs on all US imports and rare earth export curbs.
-
Apr 8-11 – Tariff war escalated to 84%, then 125% on both sides, with added bans on certain US and Chinese products.
-
May 10-12 – Geneva talks resulted in a 90-day truce; US tariffs dropped to 30% and China’s to 10%. China also lifted several non-tariff measures.
-
May 28-29 – US began visa revocations for Chinese students and restricted high-tech exports.
-
Jun 5 – Xi Jinping and Trump held an hour-long call.
-
Jun 9-10 – London talks produced a framework agreement.
-
Jul 6 – Trump threatened more tariffs on BRICS-aligned countries.
-
Jul 28-29 – Stockholm talks ended with a decision to seek a truce extension.
-
Aug 8 – US granted Nvidia licenses to export chips to China.
-
Aug 11 – Both sides agreed to another 90-day extension of the tariff pause.
Why the Delay?
The US and China remain locked in talks to fix trade imbalances and address issues such as market access and industrial policy. Trump’s decision appears aimed at keeping negotiations alive and preventing another economic shock.
Also Read: Trump’s Policies Projected to Add $12.8 Trillion to US National Debt, Highest in History
