United States President Donald Trump has announced a temporary suspension of increased trade tariffs for all countries except China. The pause, which will last for 90 days, was made public on 10 April 2025 via Trump’s post on his Truth Social media account.
According to the U.S. president, more than 75 countries reached out to his administration to negotiate new trade terms. The move is expected to bring relief to several African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Madagascar, and Lesotho, which faced steep tariff increases before the announcement.
President Trump confirmed that the general tariff will now remain at 10% for the next three months, giving room for further discussions with affected countries. Lesotho, one of the hardest-hit countries under the previous arrangement, had faced a 50% tariff. The Southern African nation reportedly exported $264 million worth of goods—mainly diamonds and clothing—to the U.S. in 2022, far more than it imported. Lesotho also charges a 99% tariff on American products.
While other countries will benefit from the 90-day break, China has been left out of the deal. Instead, Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, following a recent trade battle. China had earlier reacted to a U.S. 34% tariff by increasing its own tariffs on American imports to 84%.
Trump criticised China’s actions, accusing the Asian powerhouse of disrespecting global trade rules. “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” the U.S. president stated. He added that the era of countries “ripping off” the U.S. was over.
The tariff pause comes as global trade tensions rise, with several countries struggling to balance local economies with foreign trade pressures. The U.S. government says it is open to further talks during the 90-day window.
