Trump Indicates Reduction of Fentanyl-Related Tariffs on China Before Planned Xi Meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump said he intends to scale back tariffs tied to fentanyl on Chinese imports, setting the tone for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to take place this week in South Korea.

Trump outlined the plan during a briefing with reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday while en route to Asia. He stated that curbing the flow of fentanyl to the United States and issues affecting American farmers will form part of Thursday’s agenda with Xi. The encounter is expected to occur on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, marking the two leaders’ first face-to-face discussion since Trump returned to office in January.

Tariff Adjustment Under Consideration

An existing 20 percent levy on Chinese goods linked to fentanyl could be reduced by half, according to people familiar with the talks. Trump’s remarks followed a media report that the tariff cut would be offered in exchange for Beijing’s tougher enforcement against producers of the chemicals used to manufacture the synthetic opioid. Fentanyl has been a central focus of U.S. public health policy; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies it as a leading driver of overdose deaths.

Washington and Beijing are also weighing the fate of a broader tariff truce that is set to expire on 10 November. Failure to reach an extension would reinstate higher duties on a wide range of goods. In addition, Trump has warned of potential 100 percent tariffs on Chinese products beginning 1 November if negotiations falter.

Rare Earths and Timing Questions

Asked whether a temporary pause in China’s new controls on rare-earth exports would prompt further concessions from the United States, Trump responded that the timeline for any arrangement had not yet been settled and that officials “are going to work out something.” China’s restrictions on shipments of key minerals have raised concerns about supply chains in the technology and defense sectors. In recent weeks, the U.S. administration answered with port fees on Chinese vessels and signaled possible limits on software exports.

Agenda Items Beyond Trade

When pressed on whether Taiwan would appear on Thursday’s agenda, Trump said the topic might only arise if Xi raised it. He indicated that no specific points concerning the self-ruled island had been prepared in advance. The comment came amid heightened bilateral friction, although both governments have emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue.

The president also referenced U.S. agricultural interests, noting that “farmers” would be among the subjects he intends to address. Farm exports have been a sensitive element of the bilateral relationship since previous rounds of tariffs affected commodities such as soybeans and pork.

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Diplomatic Optics

Despite recent tensions, Trump described current ties with Beijing as “very good” and forecast a “great meeting” with Xi. Chinese state media announced last week that Xi will make a state visit to South Korea from 30 October to 1 November, but the statement did not mention a meeting with the U.S. leader.

Trump’s trip through Asia began Sunday with stops in Southeast Asia, where he signed agreements on trade and critical minerals, and continued in Japan earlier this week. Observers view the South Korea leg as the most consequential portion of the tour, given the looming deadlines on tariffs and the strategic importance of the U.S.–China relationship.

The fentanyl tariff decision and discussion points for Thursday’s dialogue suggest both governments are seeking at least limited cooperation while broader disputes remain unresolved. Whether the provisional measures on tariffs and export controls can translate into a comprehensive extension of the trade détente will depend on talks in the coming days.

Crédito da imagem: Takashi Aoyama | Getty Images News | Getty Images