U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 'Liberation Day' tariffs, initially announced in April 2025 and postponed multiple times, face another delay until August 1. However, reports suggest Washington is preparing additional trade measures, raising fresh concerns among global partners about escalating economic tensions.
Analysts note the delayed tariffs—originally targeting $350 billion in imports—were framed as addressing historical trade imbalances. The latest postponement follows intense lobbying by U.S. business groups and allied nations, though officials emphasize alternative measures could be implemented sooner. 'This isn't a retreat,' a Commerce Department spokesperson stated. 'We're rebalancing tools to maximize strategic impact.'
Asian markets reacted cautiously, with export-reliant economies like Japan and South Korea monitoring developments. The uncertainty coincides with renewed debates about supply chain diversification and regional trade agreements. Meanwhile, businesses in the Chinese mainland remain watchful, given ongoing U.S.-China negotiations over technology and manufacturing subsidies.
Experts warn new tariffs could disrupt post-pandemic recovery efforts and inflate consumer prices globally. 'The ripple effects will be felt far beyond Washington's intended targets,' said Dr. Lin Wei, a trade policy researcher at Singapore National University. 'Asia's interconnected economies require stability, not unpredictable escalation.'
Reference(s):
cgtn.com