economy
February 12, 2026
US, China Work To Preserve Fragile Trade Truce Ahead Of Trump’s April Visit: Report
Trump described the 2025 deal as a "massive victory," announcing reductions in certain U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods (from around 57% to 47% in key areas like fentanyl-related levies), while China committed to resuming large-scale purchases of American soybeans, sorghum, and other farm products, suspending new rare-earth restrictions, and cooperating on fentanyl flows.
TL;DR
- The US and China are working to maintain a fragile trade truce ahead of President Trump's April visit to Beijing.
- A significant, though temporary, trade agreement was reached at the 2025 APEC summit in Busan, South Korea, following months of escalating tariffs.
- The truce involves a one-year pause on trade restrictions, including U.S. tariff reductions and Chinese commitments to resume purchases of American agricultural products and suspend rare-earth restrictions.
- Officials view extending this informal understanding as realistic and achievable, aiming to anchor the summit around short-term economic wins.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss deliverables.
- While the US seeks balanced and reciprocal trade, China emphasizes Taiwan as the most important issue in bilateral relations.
- Deeper structural issues concerning technology and supply chains remain unresolved.
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