President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying increased China tariffs by 90 days, following earlier uncertainty about the decision. The White House confirmed gold bars will be exempt from new tariffs, offering immediate relief to precious metals markets. This extension aims to stabilize U.S.-China trade relations after months of negotiations, with most products now facing proposed 50% tariffs and additional duties targeting illicit fentanyl-related trade.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the delay allows time to finalize tariff details, stating: "The President is deciding on another 90-day delay to allow time to finalize tariff details, including a framework with most products at 50% tariffs and additional duties linked to illicit fentanyl-related trade." Market analysts observed that macro-sensitive cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) may benefit from reduced economic pressure, echoing historical patterns where tariff extensions triggered temporary rallies in risk assets.
The decision follows initial market uncertainty when Trump hadn't formally announced the extension earlier on August 11, 2025, during which Bitcoin saw speculative price increases. Financial experts caution that without a comprehensive trade agreement, volatility may persist, advising stakeholders to monitor U.S. Trade Representative updates for further guidance on the tariff framework.