- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Trump China tariffs: US President Donald Trump has signaled a softer stance on trade with China, saying that the proposed 100 per cent tariff on Chinese imports “is not sustainable” and was merely a pressure tactic ahead of his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump clarified that the high tariff was a strategic move rather than a long-term policy. “A 100 per cent tariff is not sustainable; they forced me to do that,” Trump said, referring to China’s trade practices. He added that while the tariffs could technically “stand,” it was not an ideal situation for the US economy or consumers.
The US President said that China’s alleged unfair trade behavior had compelled him to take drastic measures to protect American interests. “China is always looking for an edge,” Trump remarked, noting that Beijing had pushed the limits in trade negotiations. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll see what happens,” he said when asked about the outcome of the talks. Trump also confirmed that he would meet Xi Jinping “in two weeks” and expressed cautious optimism about the meeting, saying he believed “things would be fine with China.”
Trade War Tensions Rattle Markets
The ongoing trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies has caused ripples across global financial markets. The US has raised import duties on several categories of Chinese goods, in some cases up to 145 per cent, triggering concerns about rising prices and supply chain disruptions.
Although Washington and Beijing had agreed earlier this year to a 90-day truce in their tariff battle, that agreement is set to expire on November 10 unless both sides agree to extend it. Last week, Trump warned that the US could impose an additional 100 per cent tariff on Chinese products by November 1 if negotiations failed to make progress. He also hinted that the planned meeting with Xi could be canceled, though he later appeared to walk back from that statement.
Despite his tough rhetoric, Trump emphasised that his personal relationship with the Chinese leader remained “very good.” “I get along great with him,” he said, referring to Xi Jinping. “I think we’re going to be fine with China, but we have to have a fair deal. It’s got to be fair.”When asked about the ongoing tariff battle, Trump said bluntly, “Well, you’re in one now. We have a 100 per cent tariff. If we didn’t have tariffs, we would be exposed as being a nothing.”
(With inputs from agencies)