suspends his tariffs, although he keeps his finger in the trigger

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has announced that the European Union now suspends its first retaliation measures against the United States. The decision comes just a few hours after Donald Trump will formalize a 90 -day pause in the new “reciprocal” tariffs that he had just activated.

The crossing of decisions that we are seeing is part of a commercial war that already drags several chapters and whose unpredictability, despite the momentary respite, continues to take its toll. It does so in the markets and in a wide variety of industrieswhich analyze the millimeter every movement on a global board more uncertain than ever.

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A firm posture. Von der Leyen has been clear: suspension is not a resignation. Brussels freeze the countermeasures for 90 days, but keeps up all the necessary steps to apply them if negotiations with the White House do not reach fruition. “All options are still on the table,” he insisted.

The approved countermeasures. The European bloc had given green light A day before his own tariffs in direct response to the measures promoted by Washington. The proposal was strongly backed by the Member States, on the argument that American tariffs were “unjustified and harmful” for both economies.

The plan contemplated applying 10% and 25% taxes to consumer products such as appliances, motorcycles, recreation vessels or even cards, in addition to food products such as sausages, poultry and other agricultural products. Personal care articles would also be included, such as dental thread.

Not all tariffs enter pause. Trump’s pause affects only the so -called reciprocal tariffs, which had been set at 20% for the European case. However, other measures are still standing: 25% to imports to steel and aluminum from the European Union, and the same percentage for European cars.

And even if there is pause, the EU is not beyond the reach of Washington: its exports will continue to face a base tariff of 10%, a minimum rate that applies to all countries affected by the reciprocal tariffs now suspended and that will remain in force for 90 days, except some other change of the Trump administration.

The fight focuses on China. While gives air to its allies, the United States focuses more than ever in China. In less than a week, Import tariffs of Asian giant have climbed from 54% to 145%. China has responded along the same lines, With a rise in their own tariffs to 84%, and could climb even more.

Uncertainty continues in the air. There are 90 days ahead and many open unknowns. It is possible that Europe finds a balance point with Washington, but on the scene what may happen with Beijing. To talk about China is to talk about the second largest economy and the “world factory.”

Any tariff climbing with China is not limited to the two powers involved: its effects can move to the global supply chain and have a direct impact on strategic sectors such as electronics, automotive or the pharmaceutical industry. In such an interconnected economy, any prolonged tension can cause unwanted effects.

Images | Pascal Bullan | European Parliament | The White House

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