If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably seen the word "tariffs" more times than you’d like. It’s everywhere. One day there’s a massive new tax on imports, and the next, there’s talk of a "pause" or a "delay." Honestly, it’s enough to give anyone whiplash, especially if you’re trying to run a business or just wondering why your grocery bill is suddenly so high.
So, let's get into the big question: did trump pause the tariffs?
The short answer is: sorta. But it’s complicated. As of mid-January 2026, we are in a weird holding pattern where some tariffs are active, some are "paused" pending negotiations, and others are currently being debated in the highest court in the land. It isn't a simple "yes" or "no" because the "Tariff King"—as he likes to call himself—uses these delays like a chess grandmaster uses a clock.
The Big Pause: Mexico and Canada
The most significant "pause" most people are talking about happened early on. Back in February 2025, right after taking office for his second term, Trump signed executive orders for a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada. It sent shockwaves through the North American economy.
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But then, he hit the brakes.
He agreed to a 30-day pause after meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (and later Mark Carney). That 30-day window was basically a high-stakes ultimatum. He wanted commitments on border security and fentanyl.
Since then, it’s been a cycle of "will he or won't he." While many of the broadest 25% tariffs were eventually implemented, there are still specific exemptions and "rolling pauses" for certain industries. For example, automakers in Detroit have been living month-to-month on reprieves to keep supply chains from totally collapsing.
The China "Truce" and the One-Year Suspension
When it comes to China, the situation is even more fluid.
You might remember the 10% tariff that went into effect on nearly all Chinese goods in early 2025. Well, after a year of back-and-forth, the U.S. and China reached a temporary trade truce in late 2025.
Under this deal, the U.S. agreed to:
- Suspend the "reciprocal" 24% tariff for one year.
- Reduce fentanyl-related tariffs from 20% down to 10%.
- Pause certain port fees on Chinese vessels.
In exchange, China paused its own retaliatory taxes on American coal, LNG, and cars. This is the "pause" that’s currently keeping the global markets from a total meltdown, but it’s fragile. It’s scheduled to last through 2026, but as we’ve seen, a single Truth Social post can change that in seconds.
The Greenland Drama: Why Europe is Next
Just when things seemed to be settling with North America and China, a new front opened up: Europe.
Specifically, the "Greenland Tariffs."
As of January 18, 2026, the big news is the threat of 10% tariffs on eight European countries—the UK, France, Germany, Finland, and others—because they’ve been supporting Denmark’s refusal to sell Greenland. Trump has set a deadline for February 1, 2026.
Is this a pause? Not really. It’s a countdown.
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He’s already signaled that if a deal isn't reached by June, those tariffs jump to 25%. European leaders, like Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, are currently trying to negotiate a way out of this, but the "pause" button hasn't been hit yet.
The Supreme Court Factor
While the White House is busy negotiating, the legal world is in a frenzy. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently evaluating the legality of the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Basically, the argument is that the President might have overstepped his authority. If the Court rules against the administration, it wouldn't just be a pause—it would be a total reset. We’re expecting a ruling in early 2026. Until then, the tariffs remain "in place" but under a massive legal cloud.
What This Means for You (The Actionable Stuff)
If you’re a consumer or a small business owner, "pauses" are both a blessing and a curse. They prevent immediate price spikes, but the uncertainty makes it impossible to plan.
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Here’s what you should actually do:
- Review Your Supply Chain: If you buy parts or products from the "Greenland Eight" (France, Germany, UK, etc.), you need to assume a 10% price hike is coming in February. Don't wait for a pause that might never come.
- Lock in Long-Term Contracts: If you're dealing with China, the current one-year suspension is your window. Use the "truce" period to secure pricing before the 2026 deadline.
- Monitor the USMCA Renewal: The trade deal with Mexico and Canada is up for review this year. Expect more "tactical pauses" and threats as Trump tries to move manufacturing back to the U.S.
- Hedge for Inflation: Even when tariffs are paused, the threat of them causes companies to raise prices "just in case."
Tariffs are rarely just about the money. They are about leverage. Whether he’s pausing them for 30 days or suspending them for a year, the goal is always to get someone to the table. Right now, the table is very crowded, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Keep an eye on the February 1 deadline for Europe. That’s the next major "pause or play" moment that will determine how 2026 looks for the global economy.
Next Steps for Businesses:
- Audit your Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for any goods originating from the EU to see if you fall under the upcoming February 1st levies.
- Speak with your customs broker about the "de minimis" changes that were implemented in late 2025; these are often not paused even when the main tariffs are.
- Set up price alerts for key commodities like copper and aluminum, which have remained highly volatile despite recent pauses in other sectors.