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With Tariffs Stalled, Trump's China Policy Drifts
Trump began his second-term China policy with aggressive tariffs but the approach appears incoherent and has not significantly altered Beijing's behavior. Reversals on tech controls and sanctions have created confusion within government, just as a high-profile China visit approaches. Critics say the policy lacks a coherent, sustained strategy.
Why It Matters
U.S. trade, technology controls, and security relations with China hinge on this policy, affecting global markets and geopolitical competition.
Timeline
14 Events
Planned May 14-15, 2026 visit to China referenced
April 21, 2026
As Trump prepares for a planned May 14-15, 2026 visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping—the first such trip by a U.S. president in eight years—the article notes the policy has become adrift.
March 2026 — Greer comments on strategy
March 2026
In March 2026, Jamieson Greer says the administration seeks stable relations, more balanced trade, and non-sensitive goods.
Supreme Court ruling undermines tariffs
February 2026
In February 2026, a Supreme Court ruling invalidates many of Trump's duties, undercutting the administration's strategy.
Pentagon blacklists then withdraws Chinese tech firms
February 2026
In February 2026, the Pentagon blacklists top Chinese technology companies for allegedly aiding the Chinese military, only to withdraw the list an hour later.
China comments in January 2026
January 2026
China's foreign ministry says in January 2026 that Beijing remains committed to acting as a positive and stable force for good.
Taiwan weapons sales approved
December 2025
In December 2025, Trump approves about $11 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan.
Nvidia H200 sale reportedly approved
December 2025
In December 2025, Trump publicly said he had approved the sale of Nvidia H200 AI semiconductors to China, despite DOJ concerns that the chips were being smuggled to China.
Export-controls and port-fee pause amid rare earths threat
2025
The United States pauses those export-control measures, along with planned port fees for Chinese-built vessels, in response to China's threat to restrict rare earths.
Export-control rules extend to Chinese subsidiaries
2025
The Fall 2025 move sees the Commerce Department issue rules extending export controls to thousands of subsidiaries of Chinese companies.
Tariffs reduce deficit; manufacturing jobs slide
2025
Tariffs contribute to a 32% reduction in the U.S. goods trade deficit with China to $202 billion in 2025, while U.S. manufacturing jobs fall by 91,000 from February to December 2025.
Rare earths pressure; détente follows
2025
China threatens to choke off rare earths, and the two countries forge an uneasy détente over those critical minerals.
China retaliates with tariff increases
2025
Beijing responds to U.S. tariff hikes with its own tariff increases, creating a tense trade dynamic.
Tariffs launched; broadside at around 145%
2025
Trump launches his second-term China policy with tariffs on Chinese goods to around 145%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own tariff increases.
Trump returns to office; vows tariffs to reset China ties
2025
Trump returns to office in 2025 and vows to use tariffs to reset relations with China, saying Beijing's trade policies are harming the United States.