Trump Extends China Tariff Truce to November 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the temporary pause on escalating tariffs with China by 90 days, pushing the new expiration date to November 9, 2025. The executive order, signed on August 11, prevents U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from rising to 145%, while Chinese tariffs on U.S. products—set to reach 125%—remain suspended for the extended period [1]. This marks the second extension of a trade truce that was initially set to expire in late July.

The decision was announced just hours before the original deadline for the tariff pause, with Trump administration officials confirming the delay to U.S. media outlets [2]. Trump has previously signaled the possibility of imposing further tariffs on Chinese goods, including in response to China’s purchase of Russian oil, though no final action has been taken [4]. The extension allows both sides additional time to continue trade negotiations, which have seen mixed progress since a high-level meeting in Geneva in May.

Despite the pause, the truce remains fragile. Earlier this year, tensions resurfaced during meetings in London and Stockholm, with U.S. officials accusing Chinese counterparts of violating parts of the agreement. Trump’s trade envoy has emphasized that the president retains full authority to decide on any further extensions, and the latest move reflects his broader strategy of using tariffs as a negotiation lever [3].

Trump has continued to assert that the U.S. has benefited from its trade policies, citing the revenue generated from tariffs since his return to the presidency. In a public statement, he expressed optimism about China’s willingness to increase its purchase of U.S. soybeans, which he described as a potential way to balance trade flows. Chinese officials, for their part, have urged Washington to pursue a resolution “on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit” [1].

The current U.S. tariff rate on Chinese goods remains at 30%, while China’s corresponding tariffs on U.S. products are at 10%. These rates are part of a broader pattern of reciprocal tariffs imposed since Trump’s re-election in January. Additional “reciprocal” tariffs of 10% have been applied to most trade partners, with higher rates—up to 41%—levied against countries such as Syria. Sectors like steel, aluminum, and those under investigation—such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors—remain subject to separate tariffs [3].

Trump also clarified that gold imports will not face new tariffs, addressing concerns raised by U.S. customs authorities in recent weeks. However, the administration has taken targeted action against specific countries, including Brazil over the trial of Jair Bolsonaro and India over its purchase of Russian oil [3].

While the extension offers short-term stability, analysts warn that the underlying structural issues in the U.S.-China trade relationship remain unresolved. Any failure to reach a broader agreement before the new deadline could result in renewed escalation [5]. The White House has not provided further details on the potential terms of a final agreement, leaving many aspects of the negotiations in flux.

The move has been closely followed by global markets, as U.S.-China trade relations have major implications for global trade flows and economic policy. With the next deadline fast approaching, attention will remain focused on how the two sides navigate the next phase of negotiations [8].

Source:

[1] title1 (https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-signs-order-extending-china-tariff-truce-by-90-days-white-house-says-2025-08-11/)

[2] title2 (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/11/trump-china-tariffs-deal-deadline)

[3] title3 (https://fortune.com/2025/08/11/trump-tariff-deadline-extension-china-trade-war-talks/)

[4] title4 (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/11/us-china-truce-extension-hangs-in-the-balance-as-deadline-looms-.html)

[5] title5 (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3496240/trump-china-tariff-extension-beijing-trade/)

[8] title8 (https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-signs-order-extending-china-185929240.html)