Trump dismisses tariff delay as concession, vows No Nation Is Exempt
President Donald Trump on Sunday firmly rejected the notion that the recent 90-day delay in implementing some tariffs signals leniency, asserting that all countries—particularly China—remain under pressure. He emphasized that the United States is determined to address trade imbalances and will not exempt any nation from the consequences of unfair trade practices.
Since the sweeping tariff measures were unveiled on April 2, financial markets have faced volatility. A temporary easing of the most aggressive tariffs brought some relief, with many countries currently facing a 10 percent duty. However, tensions with China have intensified, as Beijing responded by hiking its own tariffs up to 125 percent. price lists on Chinese imports now stand at a hundred forty five percent.
Trump reaffirmed his administration’s stance on Sunday, taking to Truth Social to declare: “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!”
Although a temporary reprieve was announced Friday for certain Chinese goods—specifically electronics and semiconductors—Trump clarified that this did not amount to a full exemption. Instead, those products have been placed into a different category and are still subject to a 20 percent tariff.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that more targeted tariffs would be introduced within the next two months, especially in sectors such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which fall outside current reciprocal trade frameworks. Trump also indicated that further details on additional product-specific tariffs would be shared on Monday.
The temporary exemptions are expected to expire soon, with consumer electronics likely to be among the next targets under national security-related measures.
While the administration remains open to dialogue with China, no direct talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are currently planned, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
As Trump maintains his hardline approach, China is pivoting toward strengthening ties elsewhere. President Xi is beginning a five-day tour of Southeast Asia on Monday, focusing on economic partnerships with countries including Vietnam and Malaysia.
Despite market concerns and criticism from Wall Street, the White House claims that the tariff strategy is already prompting several nations to pursue new trade agreements before the 90-day period concludes.
