Former President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure to ease trade tensions with China after his administration’s steep tariffs triggered fears of major economic damage. The United States recently imposed a massive 145% tariff on Chinese imports, setting off a direct and potentially dangerous trade battle between the world’s two largest economies.
Despite the risk to the U.S. economy, Trump continues to promote the tariffs as a show of strength. At a UFC event in Florida, he received a standing ovation and told reporters his appearance was “somewhat legendary,” using the moment to signal confidence in his trade policy.
But behind the public posturing, the stakes are rising fast.
US-China Economic Ties at Risk
The U.S. depends on China for many essential goods — from electronics and rare earth minerals to pharmaceuticals and clothing. Meanwhile, China is a key buyer of U.S. farm exports like soybeans and sorghum. The tariffs from both countries now threaten to slow or even stop that trade.
Experts warn that if this trade fight continues, both countries could suffer serious damage. U.S. consumers may see higher prices and product shortages, while American farmers and tech companies could lose major markets.
Some analysts believe China may be willing to accept more short-term economic pain. As an authoritarian government, it can take steps that would be politically risky in the U.S., including tighter control over its economy and people.
A Sudden Shift in Strategy
Trump surprised many last week by pausing reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries for 90 days. This move came after bond markets began to signal possible financial trouble. The pause may have been seen in China as a sign of weakness — and soon after, Trump imposed the new 145% tariffs on Chinese goods.
The situation grew more confusing Friday night when the White House said smartphones and computers from China would be exempt from the top tariff rate. However, by Sunday, officials said those items would still face a lower tariff soon.
On Truth Social, Trump insisted there was “no tariff exception,” blaming the media for reporting otherwise. “These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs,” he wrote, “and they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’”
White House Defends Mixed Messages
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed the apparent confusion was part of a larger plan. On Fox News, he said certain products are critical to national security and need special rules to encourage U.S.-based manufacturing.
The administration says that pausing some tariffs has already worked, with other countries offering trade deals to avoid more penalties. Officials now hope China will do the same.
“We’ve got 90 deals in 90 days possibly pending here,” said trade adviser Peter Navarro on NBC’s Meet the Press, adding that the strategy is unfolding as expected.
Long-Term Risks Remain
Despite the confidence from Trump’s team, many experts are skeptical. The complex relationship between the U.S. and China cannot be fixed with pressure alone, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has his own reasons for resisting any deal seen as giving in to the U.S.
Xi’s long-term goal is to make China a top global power. Any move that looks like surrender to Washington could be seen at home as weakness. That makes finding a compromise much harder.
Trump’s past claim that he can strike quick and strong trade deals is now facing a major test. So far, other countries have made small offers, but no sweeping changes.
Market Worries and Political Fallout
Investors are nervous. A CBS poll shows 75% of Americans expect prices to rise in the short term due to the tariffs. About 48% think prices will keep rising in the long term. Meanwhile, Trump’s approval rating on the economy has dropped — with 56% disapproving of his performance.
Those numbers are troubling for Republicans as they prepare for the 2026 midterms. Trump’s promise to cut costs for food and housing was key to his win last November against Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, that promise is under pressure.
Support from Allies, but Doubts Linger
Some in Trump’s circle still back his hardball approach. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on ABC’s This Week, “Donald Trump has the ball. He’s the right person with it. He knows how to deal with President Xi.”
Yet many wonder if Trump’s reputation as a strong negotiator is starting to fade. His team insists a breakthrough is coming, but talks have not yet started. The longer this drags on, the more it could hurt American workers, farmers, and businesses.
What Comes Next?
As both nations dig in, the path forward is unclear. Trump insists his relationship with Xi will help avoid disaster. But there’s been no sign of direct talks, and the uncertainty continues to shake markets.
With prices rising and new tariffs hitting U.S. industries, many Americans are left wondering how long this economic showdown will last — and how much it will cost.
