US President Trump on Sunday pushed back against the idea that his 90-day tariff delay means countries are avoiding trade penalties, asserting that all nations remain under pressure and that China, in particular, continues to face serious consequences.
Following the April 2 announcement of sweeping tariffs, markets have been shaken by uncertainty. A recent pause in the most severe tariffs offered a brief recovery, with most countries now facing a 10 percent levy—except China, which escalated tensions by raising its own tariffs to 125 percent. U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods now reach 145 percent.
Despite these developments, Trump remains committed to correcting what he describes as unfair trade imbalances. “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!” he posted on Truth Social.
Although Trump’s administration granted a temporary exemption for Chinese electronics and semiconductors on Friday, he clarified Sunday that the move did not represent a full exemption. “No Tariff ‘exception’” was made, he said, noting that the products remain under a 20 percent tariff in a different “bucket.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that additional targeted tariffs will follow within two months, particularly on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which fall outside the reciprocal tariff structure. Trump promised “very specific” announcements on Monday regarding which products are next.
The exemptions are not expected to last. Consumer electronics could soon be hit again as part of sector-specific tariffs aimed at protecting US national security.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to state its willingness to negotiate with China, though US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said, “we don’t have any plans” for a direct conversation between Trump and President Xi Jinping.
As Trump holds firm, China is reaching out elsewhere. Xi begins a five-day visit to Southeast Asia on Monday, aiming to strengthen economic ties with countries like Vietnam and Malaysia.
Despite pushback from Wall Street and market instability, the White House claims its tariff approach is already leading multiple countries to seek new trade deals before the 90-day window ends.
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