DONALD TRUMP signals fresh trade row with China

Saturday, May 31, 2025 - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, May 30, signaled a potential escalation in trade tensions with China, accusing Beijing of breaching a recent agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs, just weeks after both countries agreed to a 90-day pause in their long-running economic dispute.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” without offering specific evidence or elaboration.

The statement followed remarks from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told Fox News that trade negotiations with China were “a bit stalled.” Talks between the two global economic powers had previously led to a temporary easing of tariffs after high-level discussions in Geneva earlier this month.

The initial agreement saw Washington reduce additional tariffs on Chinese imports from 145 percent to 30 percent, while Beijing lowered its retaliatory tariffs from 125 percent to 10 percent. However, tensions have persisted, especially with the United States maintaining an additional 20 percent levy on Chinese goods over allegations related to illicit drug trade activity—charges China has repeatedly denied.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, in a separate interview with CNBC, criticized China’s continued restrictions on critical mineral exports, stating that the trade deficit remains “enormous” and that there has been little indication of a policy shift from Beijing.

The White House has not ruled out direct involvement by the leaders of both countries. Bessent said a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could be on the horizon if talks remain stagnant.

Since resuming office in January, Trump has reinstated sweeping tariffs on many U.S. trading partners, with China bearing the heaviest burden. The tit-for-tat measures had reached triple-digit levels before the recent partial thaw.

Meanwhile, Trump’s aggressive trade strategy is facing legal scrutiny. A U.S. trade court this week ruled that the president overstepped his authority by invoking emergency economic powers to justify wide-ranging tariffs. Although the court blocked some of the most extensive levies, that decision has been stayed pending appeal. Tariffs targeting specific sectors like steel and automobiles remain in effect.

The tariff conflict has severely disrupted trade flows between the two nations, with many businesses suspending shipments amid the uncertainty. The possibility of renewed tensions threatens to derail the fragile pause, leaving the global trade community watching closely for the next developments.