“Trade War Update: Trump Extends Tariff Pause to August, China Still Off the Hook”

 Tariff Tracker – July 14: Trump Extends Pause on New Tariffs, China Spared Again

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again hit the brakes on his promised tariff push, extending the pause on reciprocal tariffs from July 9 to August 1. The delay wasn’t exactly a surprise—after all, back in April, Trump boldly pledged to finalize "90 trade deals in 90 days." Fast forward to mid-July, and that timeline looks more like political posturing than a practical plan.

With the deadline extended, many are now asking: what are the latest tariffs, who’s affected, and why is China, a frequent target of Trump’s trade rhetoric, still not in the crosshairs?

What’s New on the Tariff Front?

In recent weeks, Trump has announced additional levies on several U.S. trading partners, mainly targeting European goods, Canadian aluminum, and certain automotive imports from countries like South Korea and Japan. The focus seems to be shifting toward countries the administration believes have long taken advantage of U.S. markets through what it describes as “unfair trade practices.”

However, rather than slapping on immediate duties, the administration is using these announcements as bargaining chips—delaying implementation to give more time for negotiations. The goal: push other nations to the table without triggering instant retaliation.

Why Is China Being Left Out?

Interestingly, China has been largely spared in this latest round. While Trump has often been outspoken about his issues with Beijing’s trade practices, insiders suggest a few reasons for the relative quiet.

First, the administration may be trying to keep communication channels with China open amid a fragile global economy. Second, with inflation still a concern at home, Washington may be wary of triggering price hikes on Chinese consumer goods that American families rely on. Lastly, this could be a strategic pause—avoiding a direct clash with China while focusing on easier targets first.

What’s the Impact So Far?

The ongoing uncertainty around tariffs is already affecting U.S. businesses, many of which are holding back on investment or adjusting supply chains in anticipation of future levies. Meanwhile, international allies are growing increasingly frustrated, unsure whether to trust the U.S. to stick to trade deals or prepare for more surprise tariffs down the road.

As August 1 approaches, all eyes are on the White House to see if this tariff pause becomes another extension—or if President Trump finally pulls the trigger.