7th April 2025 – (Washington) The Trump administration is considering a 90-day suspension of tariffs for nearly all trading partners—with the notable exception of China—amid ongoing efforts to renegotiate global trade terms, a senior White House official has disclosed.
Kevin Haslett, director of the National Economic Council, confirmed on Monday that more than 50 countries have engaged with U.S. officials since President Donald Trump announced his latest tariff policy. The potential reprieve, if enacted, would mark a tactical shift in Washington’s trade strategy, offering temporary relief to allies and economic partners while maintaining pressure on Beijing.
“The administration is evaluating a pause in tariffs for most nations to allow for productive negotiations,” Mr. Hasselt said in an interview with ABC News. “China, however, remains a separate matter.”
The move comes as the White House seeks to mitigate economic friction with key trade partners, including the European Union, Japan, and several emerging markets. Analysts suggest the temporary suspension could ease supply chain disruptions and provide breathing room for businesses that have struggled under the weight of successive U.S. trade barriers.
Critics have accused the Trump administration of weaponizing trade policy to influence monetary decisions, particularly after market volatility last month spurred speculation that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates. Mr. Haslett dismissed those claims, insisting that the White House does not engage in “political coercion” of the central bank.
“The suggestion that tariffs are being used to force the Fed’s hand is baseless,” he said. “Our focus is on securing fair trade deals that benefit American workers and industries.”
Despite widespread concern among economists that tariffs could drive up consumer prices, Mr. Haslett argued that exporters—rather than U.S. households—would bear the brunt of any financial strain. “Competitive pressures will likely force foreign producers to absorb costs, shielding American consumers from significant price hikes,” he said.
The exclusion of China from any potential tariff pause highlights the deepening rift between Washington and Beijing. The two economic superpowers remain locked in a protracted trade dispute, with billions of dollars in reciprocal duties still in place.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly framed China as the primary adversary in his trade agenda, accusing Beijing of unfair practices, intellectual property theft, and state-backed market distortions. The White House’s latest deliberations suggest that while the administration is open to conciliatory measures elsewhere, it remains steadfast in its hardline approach toward China.
Financial markets have shown cautious optimism following Mr. Haslett's remarks, with equities edging higher on hopes of reduced trade tensions. However, analysts warn that any relief may be short-lived if negotiations fail to yield concrete agreements.
The administration has yet to finalize its decision, and officials stress that any tariff suspension would be contingent on reciprocal concessions from trading partners. Should the plan proceed, it could signal a temporary de-escalation in global trade hostilities—albeit one that leaves the U.S.-China standoff unresolved.
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