Trump’s Visit to China: A New Challenge in the Trade War

US President Donald Trump has departed for Beijing for a visit to China. This is the first visit by a sitting US president to China in nearly a decade. The trip is expected to be a decisive moment in the relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Along with Trump, executives from major American companies are also arriving in Beijing. Representatives from Boeing, Citi Group, and Qualcomm are reportedly there to explore potential agreements with Chinese firms. Coming at a time when the trade war between Washington and Beijing has paused, this visit is also seen as a new test.

In 2018, Trump imposed import tariffs on countries around the world, ranging from allies to adversaries. This policy had the most significant impact on the trade war between the US and China. In response to US tariffs, China imposed its own levies, with some duties increasing by as much as 100%. Following a direct meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, these tariffs were temporarily suspended. However, threats from both sides remain in place.

When Trump won the 2016 election, he pledged to make international trade fair and to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US. In 2018, he announced tariffs totaling $250 billion on imports from China, widely regarded as the start of the trade war. According to Ning Leng, a policy researcher at Georgetown University, “This was the first time they seriously challenged Trump.” Due to these tariffs, American buyers sought alternatives, while Chinese workers faced increased risks.

After starting his second term, Trump doubled tariffs in 2025, imposing a 20% duty on imports from China. Later, on what he called ‘Liberation Day,’ he raised tariffs further to 35%, creating the highest import duties globally on Chinese goods. However, these tariffs did not apply to advanced chip-related products. In the current context, China holds a stronger position while its trade with the US has weakened. Thanks to new trade partnerships worldwide, China has achieved record-high export levels.