Trump Administration Delays New China Tariffs Ahead of Summit with Xi

U.S. officials are expected to defer the announcement of new tariffs targeting China and several other trading partners until after the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for next week. The delay would allow the Trump administration to retain the threat of tariffs as a negotiating tool during the talks.

The 7.5% tariff proposal

Earlier, Bloomberg News reported that the U.S. administration plans to release a report on what it describes as “excess productive capacity,” which includes a recommendation to impose a 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods ahead of the Trump–Xi meeting.

Section 301 investigations launched in March

In March, the Trump administration initiated investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into more than ten major trading partners, citing concerns over production surpluses.

Tariff threats as negotiation leverage

According to Bloomberg, the reason for the postponement remains unclear. However, the Trump administration has repeatedly used the prospect of imposing tariffs to pressure trading partners into making concessions during negotiations.

Combined tariff impact on trade partners

The new tariffs—alongside existing duties imposed over forced labor concerns—are expected to push total U.S. tariff rates on certain trading partners to levels approaching those previously levied by Trump on specific countries, before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down those tariffs earlier this year.

No official comment from U.S. trade or White House offices

No comment was available from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative or the White House regarding reports of the tariff announcement delay.

Separate diplomatic exchange on Middle East issues

Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed Middle East issues with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a telephone call on Thursday, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Wang stated: “The next phase of high-level bilateral talks between the two countries should be conducted in a spirit of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.”