Trump’s Trade Negotiations with China and the EU: Agreements, Disputes, and the Road Ahead

During President Donald Trump’s May 2026 visit to Beijing, China and the U.S. announced a pact to lower tariffs on “products of concern,” set up trade boards, and advance agricultural and aircraft deals. EU leaders met to finalize the 2025 U.S.–EU agreement, with Trump warning of higher auto tariffs after a July 4 deadline.

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The U.S. imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum and a “global tariff” since 2024, a measure partly struck down by the Supreme Court. The 2025 Turnberry deal promised zero U.S. duties on industrial goods and a 15 % cap on EU exports. China’s 2023 trade war, with reciprocal duties on billions of dollars, set the stage for the May talks.

CNN

May 15-16: Trump’s Beijing visit; May 16: U.S. trade chief confirms $30 billion board. May 19-20: EU Parliament meets on pact. July 4: auto-tariff deadline. September: Xi-Trump summit.

Transport Topics

The trade board will oversee $30 billion of reciprocal cuts. China pledged $17 billion annually in U.S. farm goods, plus a soybean commitment totaling $27 billion per year. The U.S. will sell 200 Boeing aircraft. EU-U.S. trade totals $1.7 trillion, 30 % of global commerce.

CNN

China’s ministry said the new trade council will address tariff reductions on specific products and that both sides agreed in principle to lower tariffs on items of mutual concern. The U.S. team highlighted the creation of separate trade and investment boards. EU Parliament chair Bernd Lange warned that the latest developments show it was right to stand firm against the American campaign of threats; Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for swift ratification without safeguards.

Euronews

MEP Jörgen Warborn (EPP) urged faster closure for business clarity. Bernd Lange labeled the U.S. approach “unreliable,” and the European Parliament seeks “Trump-proof” safeguards.

Euronews

Trump claimed tariffs weren’t discussed, while China’s ministry said reductions were a core outcome; product lists and board rules remain undisclosed.

Politico Europe

• “We didn’t discuss tariffs,” — President Donald Trump

New York Times

• “Through the trade council, the two sides will discuss issues such as tariff reductions on specific products , and they have agreed in principle to lower tariffs on products of respective concern on an equivalent scale,” — Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson

Politico Europe

• “This latest move demonstrates just how unreliable the U.S. side is,” — Bernd Lange, MEP

Transport Topics

• “The earlier we can close negotiations, the earlier we give clarity for businesses and indeed more predictability in a turbulent situation,” — Jörgen Warborn, MEP

Euronews

• “Reciprocity means both sides deliver what they promise.” — Andrew Puzder, U.S. Ambassador to the EU

Politico Europe

• “We’re thinking about how to manage economic relations between the US and China.” — Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative

CNN

The EU aims to adopt sunrise and sunset clauses before July 4, while the U.S. finalizes the China trade council. A September Xi-Trump summit will address non-tariff issues.

The Hindu