Trump announces 90-day tariff pause for most countries, raises China rate to 125% — as he blasts ‘yippy’ critics, boasts stock rebound ‘gotta be a record’
SUMMARY
On April 9, 2025, Trump dropped a bombshell: a 90-day tariff pause for most countries, locking in a 10% rate—except for cars at 25% and USMCA goods—while jacking China’s rate to 125% for their “lack of respect.” Announced on Truth Social at 1:18 p.m. ET, the move sent the Dow soaring 7.8%, up 2,500 points—Trump bragged it’s “gotta be a record” on the White House South Lawn with NASCAR champs. He told reporters the “yippy” critics and a “queasy” bond market pushed his hand, but he flipped it into a win, boasting 75+ countries are begging for one-on-one deals. China, hit with 84% at midnight, retaliated, so Trump cranked it to 125%, saying their “ripping off” days are done. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it “maximum negotiating leverage,” crediting Trump’s “Art of the Deal” playbook—solo genius, insiders say, catching big shots off guard. Japan’s dodging a 46% hit, Vietnam’s talking, and the EU’s at 10% despite retaliatory plans. Trump’s Oval Office take? It’s all negotiation.
