President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the pause on high U.S. tariffs for Chinese goods by another 90 days, a White House official reportedly told CNBC on Monday afternoon. The decision came just hours before the existing pause was set to expire at midnight, narrowly avoiding a sudden return to the higher tariff rates that were in place earlier this year.
The move was widely expected after the latest round of trade talks between U.S. and Chinese negotiators, which took place late last month in Stockholm, Sweden. These discussions were aimed at maintaining progress toward easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Without the extension, U.S. duties on Chinese imports would have reverted to the elevated levels imposed in April, when the tariff dispute was at its peak. At that time, both nations were targeting billions of dollars’ worth of goods in a back-and-forth trade war that impacted industries ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to technology and retail.
The initial pause in most tariffs was agreed upon in May, following the first round of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. That agreement gave both sides 90 days to seek common ground and negotiate possible long-term trade resolutions. With the original pause set to expire Tuesday, Trump’s new order ensures an additional 90-day window for talks to continue without the immediate pressure of tariff increases.
Officials from both governments have not yet released detailed statements on the next steps, but the continued suspension suggests both sides are seeking to maintain dialogue and avoid a fresh escalation in the trade dispute. The White House has signaled that while significant differences remain, there is optimism that further progress can be achieved during the new extension period.
