Trump’s Tariff Tussle: EU Pauses Retaliation, Markets Jitter as China Hits Back

As Trump hikes tariffs on China to 125%, the EU hits pause for 90 days and offers talks — while Beijing retaliates with import limits and currency moves.

🌍 Global Trade War Heats Up: Key Highlights from April 10, 2025

🔴 Tariffs Spike, Tensions Soar
President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a massive 125%, citing China’s “lack of respect” for global markets. The move came shortly after China hiked its own tariffs on US goods to 84%, escalating an already fiery trade standoff.

Also Read: “China Will Not Sit Back”: Beijing Slams Trump’s 125% Tariff Hike, Vows to Fight Back

🇪🇺 EU Hits Pause — For Now
In a key diplomatic response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 90-day pause on EU’s planned counter-tariffs. “We are ready to talk. But if negotiations don’t work, countermeasures will be activated,” she warned.

Also Read: “Very Smart Man”: Trump’s Praise for Xi Jinping Amid Escalating US-China Trade War Turns Heads

🇨🇳 Beijing Responds — Yuan Strengthens, Hollywood Takes a Hit
China signaled pushback by:

• Strengthening the Yuan (USD/CNY fell to 7.299)
• Restricting US film imports, calling it a reaction to “indiscriminate tariffs”
• Maintaining a confrontational stance while saying “China will not sit back”

📉 Market Reaction: Highs and Lows
After Trump’s tariff pause for most countries, markets soared — the S&P 500 saw its biggest jump since 2008, and Nasdaq its best since 2001. But by Thursday, futures slipped amid renewed concerns over a drawn-out US-China conflict.

Also Read: Did Trump’s “Buy” Tip Spark US Stock Market Rally? Ethics Experts and Analysts Weigh In

🇺🇸 Domestic Fallout: Insider Trading Probe?
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff demanded an insider trading investigation into Trump’s sudden tariff pause, pointing to suspicious timing around stock movements. “The public has a right to know,” he posted.

🇨🇦 Canada Calls It a ‘Reprieve’
Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomed Trump’s move, labeling it a “reprieve for the global economy” and confirmed post-election trade negotiations with Washington.

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🔮 What’s Next?

With both the EU and Canada opting for dialogue, and China taking strategic but strong retaliatory steps, the spotlight now shifts to how long Trump will maintain this “pause” strategy — and whether diplomacy can outpace the drama.

🏷️ Tags:
Trump tariffs, US-China trade war, EU counter-tariffs, global markets, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, reciprocal tariffs, insider trading, US economy, China retaliation, film import ban, EU-US negotiations