In a high-stakes meeting that could reshape US-China relations, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of significant breakthroughs during their talks in South Korea on Thursday.
From slashing fentanyl tariffs and striking a rare earth agreement to confirming reciprocal visits, the dialogue signaled a thaw in bilateral tensions — even as sensitive issues like Taiwan were left off the table.
Key Takeaways from the Trump-Xi Meeting
US Cuts Tariffs on China:
President Donald Trump announced a 10 percentage point reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods — from 57% to 47% — following his meeting with President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday.
Fentanyl Tariffs Cut in Half
President Trump announced that the United States would reduce tariffs on Chinese fentanyl from 20% to 10%, effective immediately. He said the move was in response to Beijing’s renewed commitment to curb the flow of the deadly synthetic opioid. “I believe they are really taking strong action,” Trump said, expressing confidence in Xi’s efforts to tackle the issue.
Trump Confirms April Visit to China
Following the talks, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he would visit China in April, with Xi expected to make a return visit later in the year. “I’ll be going to China in April, and he’ll be coming here sometime after that — whether it’s in Florida, Palm Beach, or Washington, D.C.,” the US President said.
No Discussion on Taiwan
Trump confirmed that Taiwan did not feature in Thursday’s discussions, despite its status as one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations. “Taiwan never came up. That was not discussed actually,” he clarified.
Breakthrough on Rare Earth Deal
The two sides reached a one-year extendable agreement on the supply of rare earth minerals — a key sticking point in their economic ties. Trump hailed the accord as a major step forward. “There’s no roadblock at all on rare earths… That will hopefully disappear from our vocabulary for a little while,” he said.
