Trip Scheduled From March 31 to April 2
US President Donald Trump is set to travel to China from March 31 to April 2 for a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit comes just after the US Supreme Court overturned many of Trump’s tariffs on imported goods, including some targeting China.
A White House official confirmed the trip on Friday, noting it will focus on bilateral trade talks. The discussions are expected to center on extending the trade truce that previously limited tariff hikes between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump last visited China as US president in 2017. He described the upcoming trip as “going to be a wild one” and promised “the biggest display you’ve ever had in the history of China.”
The Chinese embassy in Washington has declined to comment on the dates, and Beijing has not officially confirmed the visit.
Supreme Court Ruling Raises Trade Questions
The Supreme Court’s decision struck down several tariffs Trump had imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were tied to national emergencies, including fentanyl distribution and trade imbalances. Twenty percent tariffs on Chinese exports to the US were affected.
Other duties on Chinese goods, including those under Section 301 and Section 232 trade authorities, remain in effect. Trump announced plans to introduce a new 10% global tariff for 150 days, though details on which China-specific tariffs will return remain unclear.
The ruling has created uncertainty in US-China relations. Trump had previously eased some tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing cracking down on fentanyl and pausing export restrictions on critical minerals. Analysts suggest the Supreme Court decision may weaken Trump’s negotiating position in Beijing.
Trade Imbalance and Policy Implications
The Trump administration defended the tariffs as necessary to address trade imbalances and protect US manufacturing. China is the largest global consumer of US soybeans, a key commodity for Trump’s domestic support among farmers. Xi Jinping recently signaled potential increases in soybean purchases, though analysts warn that China may be cautious following the Supreme Court ruling.
The US and China last met in person in October in South Korea, where the leaders agreed on a trade truce. Sensitive issues such as Taiwan and US arms sales have also surfaced in recent talks, with China opposing arms shipments while the US maintains support for Taiwan’s defense.
Trump’s global trade war, which began in January 2025 during his second term, has strained relationships with allies. Experts note that overturning the tariffs could pressure Beijing indirectly if tariff rates on other countries fall faster than those on China.
Analysts from the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies emphasize that Trump’s visit will be closely watched for developments on trade, tariffs, and broader geopolitical tensions.
