Trump and Xi Jinping Slash China Tariffs to End Trade War Amid Rare Earth Deal
Key Takeaways
- US and China agreed to reduce tariffs from 57% to 47% and suspend rare earth export restrictions for one year
- US and Japan signed a framework deal to secure rare earths and critical minerals, reducing dependence on China
- China committed to resume large purchases of US soybeans and intensify efforts to curb fentanyl trade
US-China Trade Truce
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed on a renewable one-year truce that pauses escalation in the US-China trade conflict.
“Former President Donald Trump’s Asia tour aimed to secure a trade deal with Malaysia and prepare for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea to ease the ongoing trade war”
The agreement centers on a rare-earths export reprieve and targeted tariff reductions.
Multiple sources report that China will suspend new rare-earth export restrictions for one year.
Meanwhile, the US will reduce a fentanyl-linked tariff from 20% to 10% and cancel a threatened 100% tariff increase.
Some reports indicate that the overall US tariff rate remains near 47% after these adjustments.
The deal also includes reciprocal visits by the two leaders.
It is widely seen as a temporary and uneasy stabilizer rather than a final resolution.
Tariff Changes and Confusion
Confusion persists over the exact tariff calculations.
Several outlets assert an overall reduction in US tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%.
Others claim only a fentanyl-linked tariff fell from 20% to 10%, and that the average US tariff remains about 47%.
One Asian outlet even reports that China lowered its own rare-earth export tariffs from 57% to 47%, contrary to most reports describing a one-year suspension of export controls rather than tariff cuts.
These numerical inconsistencies suggest incomplete or conflicting briefings across different sources.
US-China Trade and Shipping Updates
Several sources report that China will resume large purchases of US soybeans.
“Former President Donald Trump commented on nuclear arsenals, noting that the U”
Both sides are expected to pause certain maritime or blacklist measures.
Al Jazeera and NBC News state that China committed to buying or resuming large US soybean purchases.
They also report that both sides would suspend expansions of blacklists or retaliatory port fees.
Time adds that there will be a one-year pause of a US shipbuilding probe under Section 301 alongside the port-fee freeze.
However, Yonhap reports that the soybean dispute has not been settled.
Meanwhile, coverage focused on the European Union highlights how decisions about rare-earth elements affect European manufacturers who fear supply disruptions.
Tech and Security Discussions
Technology and security carve‑outs remain in place.
Multiple reports say restrictions on top‑tier AI chips continue even as officials open channels to discuss Nvidia sales and broader technology issues.
Some outlets mention talks about TikTok, while others report that TikTok was not addressed.
CNBC Africa and CNN note discussions about Nvidia, with advanced models still restricted.
Financial Express raises the possibility of TikTok sale talks and port‑fee relief.
NBC News states there was no agreement or mention of TikTok and no talks about lifting AI‑chip restrictions.
Kursiv Media, by contrast, says a final TikTok agreement is pending leaders’ approval, an assertion not confirmed elsewhere in these reports.
Geopolitical and Trade Discussions
Beyond trade mechanics, the meeting ventured into geopolitics and domestic sensitivities.
“The article highlights sectors like semiconductors and critical minerals, and mentions that Takaichi praised former President Trump's peace efforts, stating plans to recommend him for the Nobel Peace Prize”
Newsweek reports Trump said he and Xi discussed Ukraine and would “work together.”
China publicly urged Washington to adhere to the nuclear test‑ban moratorium after Trump’s testing comments.
Multiple outlets note that Taiwan was not discussed.
West Asian coverage stresses the agreement’s temporary nature rather than strategic reconciliation.
Meanwhile, the EU and Japan track the rare‑earths détente closely due to supply‑chain risks.
Europe welcomed de‑escalation.
Japan simultaneously advanced a US‑Japan rare‑earth framework to curb dependence on China.
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