Trump Signals Extension in U.S.-China Tariff Deadline

(MENAFN) President Donald Trump suggested Monday that he may extend the looming deadline for a U.S.-China trade agreement, signaling flexibility just hours before the expiration of a critical 90-day tariff truce.

The temporary halt on increased tariffs—imposed as part of escalating trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing—is due to end at midnight. But Trump indicated an extension remains a live option, though no definitive decision has yet been made.

"We'll see what happens. We've been dealing very nicely with China," Trump told reporters at the White House. "As you probably have heard, they have tremendous tariffs that they're paying to the United States of America. And we'll see what happens. They've been dealing quite nicely. The relationship is very good with President Xi and myself."

Throughout the trade talks, Trump has repeatedly emphasized his rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating he anticipates a face-to-face meeting before the year concludes.

In the wake of bilateral discussions between American and Chinese officials in May, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have declined significantly—from a peak of 145% down to approximately 30%—as part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to intensify economic leverage over China in pursuit of a comprehensive trade agreement.

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