Expressing deep uncertainty, President Donald Trump said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” regarding his administration’s trade dispute with China. This comes as he confirms a meeting with President Xi Jinping in two weeks.
Trump’s uncertainty was paired with a new admission: he called the high tariffs on China “not sustainable.” He quickly added that he was “forced” into the policy by China’s own trade practices.
The president also offered a glimmer of hope, citing his “great” personal relationship with Xi. “I think we’re going to be fine with China,” he said, while simultaneously warning that China “is always looking for an edge.”
The November 10 expiration of a 90-day trade truce is fueling the uncertainty. This truce has paused duties as high as 145%, and its expiration could trigger a new round of economic conflict.
Trump’s primary demand remains a “fair deal.” He defended the current tariffs, despite their unsustainability, as a necessary show of strength.