Presidents Trump, Xi’s call signals possible thaw in tariff tensions
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump touted a “very good” call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlighting progress on trade and agricultural cooperation following their recent meeting in South Korea.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said the two leaders “discussed many topics including Ukraine/Russia, fentanyl, soybeans and other farm products.”
“We have done a good, and very important, deal for our Great Farmers — and it will only get better,” he continued. “Our relationship with China is extremely strong!”
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President Trump called the discussion a follow-up to what he described as a “highly successful meeting in South Korea, three weeks ago,” adding that “since then, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate.”
The President said both sides are now able to “set our sights on the big picture” and that Xi invited him to visit Beijing in April, an invitation he accepted. He said he also invited Xi for a state visit to the United States “later in the year.”
“We agreed that it is important that we communicate often, which I look forward to doing,” President Trump said.
The call marks the latest sign of easing tensions between Washington and Beijing following a series of trade and security disputes that have dominated the relationship this year, but potential areas of tension and disagreement remain between the two powers that continues to cloud the short-term economic outlook for many business.
Supreme Court uncertainty
The warming tone between the two leaders contrasts with mounting legal uncertainty at home. As reported by Yahoo News, the White House is preparing contingency plans ahead of a major Supreme Court ruling that will determine whether President Trump had the authority to impose his sweeping tariffs in the first place.
President Trump has defended the measures in recent days, insisting that tariff revenue is set to climb sharply as foreign buyers burn through stockpiled goods. “Tariffs will be paid on everything they apply to, without avoidance, and the amounts payable to the USA will SKYROCKET,” he wrote on Monday.
The case before the Supreme Court centers on President Trump’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to levy blanket import taxes. While the administration argues the law grants broad authority during national emergencies, critics note that the Constitution gives Congress — not the President — the power to tax and spend.
It remains unclear when the court will issue its decision, leaving businesses and trading partners uncertain about whether the current tariff structure will stand or be rolled back.
