Whiplash: China Tariffs to 125% While Others Paused

Tariffs imposed, then quickly paused: mirroring last month’s abrupt reversal

Around 1 p.m. on April 9, the tariff map shifted. Again.

In a single Truth Social post, President Trump announced another escalation and an unexpected retreat: tariffs on Chinese goods would rise immediately to 125%, while new reciprocal tariffs on most of the rest of the world would be paused and replaced with a flat 10% rate for the next 90 days.

The announcement landed 13 hours after the heightened 104% tariff on Chinese imports had taken effect at midnight—an already punishing hike that had lighting manufacturers scrambling to revise quotes, manage customer expectations, and brace for financial impact. By early afternoon, that blow had intensified for China and softened, at least temporarily, for nearly everyone else.

Anywhere but China?

For manufacturers parsing the tea leaves, the signals are murky but suggestive. The sudden narrowing of tariff pressure could be read as a pivot—from a chaotic global trade offensive to something more targeted. Maybe even bilateral. The U.S. appears to be isolating China, while offering other nations a chance to come to the table. Whether that’s a strategy or just another detour remains to be seen.

For now, the lighting industry is back in limbo. Projects are on hold. Price sheets are being reprinted—again. And supply chain planners are left guessing whether this 90-day pause is a bridge to clarity or just another chapter in a now-familiar cycle: shock, retreat, repeat.