Trump extends US-China tariff truce 90 days, signals China trip

President Donald Trump said the United States and China will have a strong, constructive relationship while stressing that Washington retains leverage in the dispute but will not use it in a way that would “destroy” Beijing. Speaking at the White House ahead of a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump repeated that the United States “has incredible cards” but would not deploy them, and he signaled a possible trip to China later this year as hopes for a broader trade agreement persist. The comments come as Washington has extended the current tariff truce with Beijing for another 90 days to give negotiators more time to reach terms on a comprehensive deal.

Trump noted that talks with Beijing have slowed the rate of escalation in the tariff battle that has stretched into this year. The extension means most U.S. imports from China remain subject to a 30 percent duty, with China maintaining a 10 percent levy on U.S. goods, while the highest duties in earlier rounds reached into the triple digits. The pause aims to stabilize the relationship and provide space for negotiators to finalize reciprocal commitments on trade practices, market access and...