When the US woke up on the morning of April 9, President Donald Trump imposed counterpart tariffs on 85 countries and territories with the highest tariffs on imported goods in a century.
Financial markets and bonds are giving red signs and fears of a global economic crisis are like a ghost.
However, just a few hours later, Mr. Trump - who had just strongly declared "comprehensive reform of world trade order" - suddenly "ryed". He announced a postponement of taxation on 75 countries, including Vietnam, but kept the rate unchanged at 125% for China.
Some say today is one of the historic days of the financial market, Trump excitedly said less than 90 minutes after posting a notice of tax postponement on Truth Social. The stock market immediately increased.
Phones, TVs and... Hannity: Unexpected catalysts
The Washington Post reported that late on the evening of April 8, after Sean Hannity's show on Fox News ended, Mr. Trump had a nearly hour-long call with a group of Republican senators who had just appeared on air. Among them, John Kennedy, Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz... all frankly expressed concern that a comprehensive trade war would be counterproductive.
"You can score points by negotiating," Congressman Cruz said, recommending Trump use tariffs as leverage rather than a tool for drastic sanctions. "If we keep it like that, the consequences will be extremely bad."
That night, Mr. Trump also closely watched the bond indexes. "People started to feel nauseous," he told the press the next day. And he realized that the market was no longer as cool as he thought.
From Rolex Switzerland to US soybeans: Pressure from around the world
On the morning of April 9, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter called Mr. Trump urgently, demanding a review of the 31% tax on Swiss watches and chocolate - items that were heavily affected.
She stressed that Switzerland has exempted industrial tariffs on US goods and that Swiss businesses are creating jobs for Americans.
At the same time, Trump watched Jamie Dimon - CEO of JPMorgan Chase - answer an interview, warning of the possibility of recession if there is no cooling down action, pointing out that everyone is cutting spending.
A "ning-through" lunch in the White House
At around noon, Finance Minister Scott Bessent and Commerce Minister Howard Lutnick entered the Oval Office. They and Mr. Trump redraw the entire tax policy "written from the heart" - according to the owner of the White House.
Just a few hours later, Mr. Trump appeared on the southern Trump pitch, smilingly announcing a goal to stop the tariffs for 90 days. We will have something that no one dares to dream of, Trump said dramatically.
Confusion spreads
The decision to postpone the tax was so surprising that it even surprised some senior officials in the White House. Some people know the news from... the reporter's message. The media apparatus must hold a lightning press conference to "ex opposite" the newly redrawled policy.
But foreign diplomats are still wondering whether Canada and Mexico will be subject to a new 10% tax. Even the White House is... not sure.
Whether improvised or tactical, Mr Trump's decision to postpone the 18-hour tax has temporarily cooled the market, saving a volatile week - and completely changing the flow of US trade policy in the blink of an eye.
A tweet. A phone call. A long night. And the whole world turned around.
