U.S. President Donald Trump dominated the weekend news cycle with his shifting statements regarding tariffs on Chinese goods, according to Rks News.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that tariffs on semiconductors are likely to be implemented “in the very near future,” while suggesting there might be “some flexibility” when it comes to tariffs on products like iPhones and tablets. These mixed signals have only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-China trade relationship, as reported by CNN.
The temporary exemption for tech products, announced Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was initially welcomed by tech companies and investors. However, comments from Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggest that these exemptions are just a short-term relief, and that affected products will likely face targeted tariffs in the near future.
Trump emphasized his hardline stance by saying, “No one is escaping” his trade war — a clear indication that pressure on China will continue.
Markets responded positively — at least initially. Global stock markets saw a boost on Monday following news of the temporary reprieve for some tech products.
Political reactions soon followed. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized Trump’s approach, calling it a “red light–green light” situation. “No one can tell what the rules will be five days from now, let alone five years,” she said on CNN’s State of the Union.
Echoing her sentiments, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers described Trump’s tariff policy on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS as “the most self-inflicted economic wound” since World War II.
Meanwhile, billionaire investor Ray Dalio warned during his appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press that the U.S. is “very close to a recession.” While acknowledging that trade policy could be “part of a process,” he described Trump’s strategy as “highly divisive.”
Uncertainty remains high as the White House continues its trade clashes with China, making it increasingly difficult for markets and industries to predict what lies ahead.
