On April 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of the newly introduced tariffs for the majority of U.S. trading partners.
The across-the-board tariff, initially set at 20%, has been temporarily reduced to 10%, following intense pressure from international markets and industry leaders.
However, the administration took a sharply different approach with China: import duties on Chinese goods were increased to 125%, signaling a strategic decision to isolate the trade confrontation with Beijing.
According to the White House, the pause for most countries aims to encourage bilateral negotiations — more than 75 countries reportedly expressed interest in reaching new trade agreements with the U.S.
The announcement had an immediate positive effect on financial markets, with the S&P 500 surging by 7%. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Many analysts interpret this move not only as a tactical recalibration, but also as a response to mounting economic concerns — including rising fears of a recession, volatility in Treasury yields, and eroding business confidence.
While the administration described the move as part of a coherent strategy, observers noted inconsistencies in Trump’s trade messaging, particularly in the days leading up to the policy shift.
There are also open questions regarding the future of the 10% base tariff, and whether additional duties will be extended to other sensitive sectors — such as pharmaceuticals — in the coming weeks.
This development adds further complexity to an already uncertain trade environment, especially for European and Italian exporters who now face a temporary reprieve but must remain vigilant in planning their next commercial moves.