Trump Extends US‑China Tariff Truce
For now, hold your breath… President Trump just signed a 90‑day stop‑gap to keep the tariff showdown on pause until November 10, 2025.
What the pause does for the shipping lanes
- Chinese imports remain at a 30% tariff.
- US goods to China stay at a 10% duty.
- No sudden spikes that would jolt businesses.
Markets cheer the news
Global stock markets popped—especially Asia and Europe—after traders saw trade tensions ease a smidge. A little wiggle room, a lot of optimism.
Retailers breathe a sigh of relief
US retailers are thankful, especially as the holiday season’s inventory rush looms. They can finally lock in prices without fearing a sudden tariff jump.
Administrations split the news into practical steps
Both sides call the move wise. The US keeps pushing for more soybean imports and tighter Russian oil rules, while China reaffirms its willingness to talk trade.
Companies get a “brief but critical” window
With tariffs temporarily paused, firms can re‑think inventory, pricing, and compliance—before the truce runs out.
But economists warn: Without a lasting deal, this is just a “post‑ponement” of next friction.
Mark McCarthy on the IT spend dilemma
“Trade wars create global economic jitters,” says Mark McCarthy, Chief Revenue Officer at Basware. “Major enterprises pause IT investments, reassess priorities, and demand ROI on every dollar.”
He adds that supply chains aren’t as nimble as in the pandemic, so CIOs and CFOs now look for suppliers who can navigate the swirling tariff mesh. Smart businesses stay hungry for tech that marries compliance with cutting costs.
Michael Joseph on compliance resilience
Fluctuating tariffs spark unintended consequences. “We see new money‑laundering paths as supply chains adjust—up to $600 billion a year in hidden costs,” says Michael Joseph, Compliance Expert at Napier AI.
High tariff spreads tempt traders to shift origins, fake documentation, or route goods through third‑country veins, making detection harder when markets swing wildly.
Bottom line for industry players
Use this pause to cement short‑term continuity, but keep one eye on next moves. Prepare for a bounce back in tariffs if negotiations stall.
