Source: The American Prospect
by Robert Kuttner
“President Trump’s self-imposed 90-day pause before he raises ‘reciprocal’ tariffs through the roof expires on Wednesday, July 9. Only most of it may not expire at all. On Monday, Trump sent letters to a dozen countries like Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, South Africa and others, following through on a threat of imposing unilateral tariff rates … but only if no progress is made by August 1. In the meantime, Trump and his negotiators are working with major countries for various concessions in exchange for more moderate tariff hikes. For instance, Trump threatened Canada with higher tariffs, unless Canada rescinded its Digital Services Tax on Big Tech companies. On June 29, Canada caved. This was both Trump’s favor to the Big Tech platforms and an IOU he can call in.” (07/08/25)
https://prospect.org/economy/2025-07-08-magas-gift-to-china-trump-tariffs/