Trump Says Tariffs Never Came Up During Xi Meeting Despite Years Of Trade Tensions

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 18:52 IST

Trump says tariffs were not discussed with Xi at Beijing summit, despite expectations, talks focused on trade deals, Boeing orders, energy, AI and stabilising economic ties.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that tariffs were not discussed during his closely watched summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite expectations that the leaders would address one of the most contentious issues in US-China relations.

Speaking after returning to Washington from Beijing, Trump said he secured “fantastic trade deals" with China but insisted tariffs were never raised during talks.

“We didn’t discuss those… It wasn’t brought up," Trump said when asked whether the two leaders discussed tariffs.

Also Read: Trump’s China Visit May Bring Massive Boeing Deal, New US-China Trade Framework

The comments surprised observers because the meeting had been expected to include discussions on extending a one-year tariff truce agreed during their previous summit in October.

Tariffs Have Defined Trump-China Relations

Trump’s economic approach toward China has been heavily shaped by tariffs since his first term in office.

Beginning in 2018, the US imposed steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese imports, targeting sectors ranging from electronics and machinery to consumer goods.

The measures were aimed at:

• Reducing America’s trade deficit with China
• Pressuring Beijing over intellectual property practices
• Encouraging companies to shift supply chains away from China
• Boosting domestic manufacturing

China responded with retaliatory tariffs on American exports including agricultural products, automobiles and energy goods, triggering a prolonged trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

Trade Tensions Escalated Again In 2025

The tariff dispute intensified further in 2025 after Washington introduced additional duties on selected Chinese products, prompting Beijing to impose fresh retaliatory measures.

The fallout affected several major industries.

China reportedly:

• Refused delivery of some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
• Delayed acceptance of US-made jets
• Reduced purchases of certain American goods

The tensions disrupted Boeing’s planned deliveries to China and affected broader commercial ties.

Why The Silence On Tariffs Matters

Analysts say avoiding the tariff issue during the summit may indicate both sides are prioritising stabilising economic relations amid global uncertainty.

The leaders instead focused on:

• Potential Boeing aircraft orders
• Energy purchases
• Artificial intelligence cooperation
• Investment mechanisms between the two countries
• Broader trade and market access discussions

Chinese state media later described the talks as producing “balanced and positive outcomes."

Trade Truce Still In Focus

Although Trump said tariffs were not discussed directly, the future of the existing tariff truce remains important for businesses and investors.

The temporary agreement reached last year helped ease pressure on markets and reduced fears of another full-scale US-China trade war.

Whether that truce is extended remains unclear.

Despite persistent tensions over technology, Taiwan and security issues, both Washington and Beijing appear to be seeking ways to prevent economic rivalry from escalating further.

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