Background on Donald Trump and His Trade Policies
Donald J. Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Known for his unconventional approach and “America First” policy, Trump frequently employed aggressive trade tactics, including the imposition of tariffs on various countries and trading blocs. His trade policies have significantly impacted global commerce, often causing market volatility and strained diplomatic relations.
The Third Postponement of Tariffs Against the European Union
On May 25, 2025, President Trump announced the postponement of a 50% tariff imposition against European Union (EU) imports until July 9th. This decision came after a conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who requested an extension. Trump agreed, stating it was his “privilege” to do so.
A Pattern of Threats and Delays
This recent postponement marks the third time since April 2nd, dubbed “Liberation Day,” that the White House has backed away from imposing tariffs on nearly every country. This pattern appears to be a recurring cycle of threats and delays in trade negotiations.
- First Delay: Following the announcement of “reciprocal tariffs,” financial markets, particularly bond markets, were spooked. This led to a 90-day suspension of the tariff implementation.
- Second Delay: With China, Trump’s announcement of tariffs exceeding 100% prompted an equivalent retaliation from the Chinese government. Both parties met in Geneva and agreed to postpone tariff implementation for 90 days while engaging in negotiations.
- Third Delay: The latest postponement with the European Union suggests a potentially positive outcome if this convoluted pattern of threats and retreats leads to more open trade relations.
Implications and Expert Opinion
The recurring pattern of tariff threats and subsequent delays has created uncertainty in global markets and strained diplomatic relationships. However, these postponements may indicate a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and potentially foster more open trade relations.
The author, an international analyst and consultant, former director of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) office in Washington, has commented on economic and financial matters for CNN en Español TV and radio, UNIVISION, TELEMUNDO, and other media outlets.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Donald Trump, and why is he relevant in this context? A: Donald Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He is known for his unconventional approach and “America First” policy, which included aggressive trade tactics such as tariff impositions.
- Q: What is the pattern of threats and delays in Trump’s trade policies? A: Since April 2025, the White House has backed away from imposing tariffs on nearly every country multiple times. This pattern involves threats followed by delays, which have caused market volatility and strained diplomatic relations.
- Q: What is the significance of the third postponement with the European Union? A: The latest postponement suggests a potential positive outcome if this pattern of threats and retreats leads to more open trade relations.
