What will Trump and Xi discuss in Washington next week? — SkimNews
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- Trump will host Xi Jinping at the White House on September 24 for Xi's first US visit in a decade and their second meeting this year.
- USTR Greer said the countries will make "some announcements on agriculture and non-tariff barriers," with markets watching for extension of a tariff truce set to expire November 10 — a deal that paused a trade war where tit-for-tat tariffs topped 100%.
- Trump is pushing for Boeing jet purchase announcements (potentially 500 737 MAX jets plus dozens of wide-bodies) and agricultural deals ahead of November midterm elections.
- China's economy is on track for a second straight $1 trillion trade surplus, with Beijing pressing for further tariff relief and a delay on a rule barring Chinese firms from advanced US tech.
- Both sides are expected to discuss the Iran war — China is the world's biggest Iranian oil buyer, and Reuters reported Beijing selling billions in goods to Tehran through a sanctions-evasion scheme.
- China wants Trump to publicly state the US opposes Taiwan's independence, while a pending $14 billion arms package to Taiwan remains in limbo.
- Fentanyl precursor flows from China remain a US concern after the Supreme Court struck down Trump's fentanyl-related tariffs on China in February; FBI Director Patel told Reuters he has forged a new law enforcement partnership with Beijing.
Why it matters: Trump is seeking concrete trade wins (Boeing orders, ag deals) ahead of November midterms from a position of low approval ratings, while China's $1 trillion surplus and the November 10 tariff truce deadline give Beijing leverage; failure to extend would reignite a trade war where tit-for-tat tariffs had topped 100%.
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