Finance & economics | Back with a whimper

Why has Donald Trump held fire on tariffs?

The president had promised hefty levies immediately

U.S. President Donald Trump smiles as he embraces his wife first lady Melania Trump as his family applaud him after being sworn-in during an inauguration ceremony in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington.
Photograph: Reuters
|Washington, DC

Donald Trump started his new presidential term with an unexpected show of restraint. Just a couple of months ago, Mr Trump had warned that he would announce hefty new levies on his first day back in the White House. Instead, he opted for a softer opening. He was set to issue a presidential memorandum, calling for an “America first” trade policy and a review of commercial relationships with China, Canada and Mexico. His measured start prompted relief in government offices and on trading floors around the world. Foreign currencies and stocks rallied.

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