Trump Says He’s Hit the Pause Button on U.S. Tariffs—and Wishes He’d Hit the “Leave the Party Tonight” Button
On Sunday (Feb 24), President Donald Trump released a tweet that felt a little like a diplomatic spoiler alert: the U.S. will delay the planned tariff hike on Chinese imports that could hit over $200 billion—or 270 billion Singapore dollars. He put the news on the front burner because talks with China are reportedly moving fast.
What’s the Deal?
- Both sides have made “substantial progress” on a list that covers everything from IP rights to technology transfer, agriculture, and currency.
- Trump’s tweet announced a plan to host a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida next month.
- If progress continues, the meeting is set to “conclude an agreement.” Sounds like a nice cozy deal‑making weekend!
The Science of Delaying Tariffs
That pause on March 1 tariff increase is the most tangible sign of a trade‑war breakthrough that both sides have been desperate for since they agreed to a 90‑day truce last year.
Why it matters: Markets are celebrated this as a step toward ending a grueling business dispute that shook commodities and stifled global growth. Lots of traders swooned at the news!
What’s Been Hushed Behind the Scenes
- According to Xinhua, negotiations are even touching on a “fair and objective” enforcement mechanism—because the U.S. wants strong teeth to keep China on track, while Beijing wants a system that feels balanced.
- Negotiators are also dissecting how to balance tariffs and the realities of commodities—rolling through the trenches on day‑to‑day trade issues.
- There’s still a nagging point: how will China actually hold up on the promised reforms? The U.S. wants assurances; China wants a mechanism that’s not “dictatory.”
Trump Pitches a “Good Weekend” for U.S. – China
He cashed in on a football‑themed mood: “A very good weekend for U.S. – China!” That’s the kind of forward‑looking optimism that can soften the hard edges of trade‑war politics.
All eyes are on March, when the U.S. and China are supposed to raise their diplomatic glasses at Mar-a-Lago and hopefully wrap up the paperwork that could finally stop the tariff climb.
