Fact Check: Tariffs will return to April 2 levels if no trade deal is reached.

Fact Check: "Tariffs will return to April 2 levels if no trade deal is reached."

What We Know

The claim that "tariffs will return to April 2 levels if no trade deal is reached" is rooted in recent U.S. trade policy changes. On April 2, 2025, the United States imposed significant new tariffs as part of a broader strategy to address trade deficits, particularly with China. These tariffs included a baseline 10% levy on most imports, with higher rates for specific countries and products (source-1).

Following this, on April 8 and 9, 2025, the U.S. modified these tariffs in response to retaliatory measures from China, increasing certain rates significantly (source-1). A temporary suspension of the reciprocal tariffs was announced, set to last for 90 days, which means that if no trade deal is reached by July 9, 2025, the tariffs imposed on April 2 could indeed be reinstated (source-2).

Analysis

The assertion that tariffs will revert to their April 2 levels hinges on the conditions set forth in the U.S. trade agreements and executive orders. The executive orders explicitly state that if trading partners do not align with U.S. economic and national security interests, the tariffs could be reinstated (source-1).

However, the reliability of this claim depends on the evolving nature of trade negotiations. Recent reports indicate that there is ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and various trading partners, including China, which may influence whether tariffs are reinstated or modified further (source-3). The credibility of the sources reporting on these negotiations varies; government releases are typically reliable, while media interpretations may introduce bias or speculation.

Moreover, the announcement of a 90-day suspension of the tariffs suggests that there is an intention to negotiate rather than revert to previous levels immediately. This indicates a potential for flexibility in trade policy, depending on the outcomes of ongoing discussions (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "tariffs will return to April 2 levels if no trade deal is reached" is Partially True. While there is a clear framework indicating that tariffs could revert to their original levels if negotiations fail, the actual outcome will depend on the dynamics of ongoing trade discussions. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further modifications exists, which complicates a straightforward interpretation of the claim.

Fact Check: Tariffs will return to April 2 levels if no trade deal is reached.