Trump's postponed tariffs create unpredictability for global trade

In Stockholm, on August 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a postponement of new tariffs on the EU and 68 other countries until August 7. Swedish senior economist Robert Bergqvist, from the bank SEB, expressed his concerns about the impact of this delay on internationally active companies. He described the situation as one of increased unpredictability, labeling it a 'nightmare' for businesses that rely on stable international trade environments. The unpredictability arises from a mixture of tariffs, pauses, and exceptions, which complicate the landscape for global commerce. Bergqvist pointed out that many industry players view this postponement as a step toward minimizing uncertainty in the trade arena, though he remains skeptical about the eventual outcomes, suggesting that fundamental unpredictability will persist. He cautioned that all parties involved in global trade would suffer from these developments, as they may hinder overall economic growth. He emphasized that this is a damaging precedent for the global economy, with the belief that the consequences could have long-term implications as negotiations between the EU and U.S. continue in the coming weeks.