Trump China Visit Expected to Extend Trade Truce, Friction Points Persist
In-house counsel with China-exposed supply chains should prepare for a likely tariff truce extension while monitoring unresolved disputes that could reignite trade tensions.
President Trump's upcoming visit to China is expected to produce an extension of the bilateral trade truce, providing short-term predictability for tariffs, export controls, and customs enforcement. However, structural disagreements over industrial subsidies, technology transfer, agricultural purchases, and semiconductor restrictions remain unresolved and could resurface as new friction points. Companies should reassess tariff classification strategies, review supply-chain contingencies, and monitor any side agreements on export controls. The truce extension reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate exposure to sudden policy reversals if negotiations stall or if enforcement actions target specific sectors or entities.