Busan Breakthrough: Trump and Xi Strike Historic One-Year Trade Accord

Breakthrough in Historical US-China Trade

During their October 29, 2025 meeting in South Korea, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping attained a historic one-year trade accord, therefore signaling their Six years' first face-to–face meeting at Busan airport produced quick tariff relief, lowering general Chinese tariffs from 57% to Most notably, Trump pulled the 100% duty threatened to go into effect November 10. Forty-seven percent and tariffs related to fentanyl decreased from 20% to 10%. avoiding what could have grown into a catastrophic trade ban between the two biggest countries in the world.

Strategic concessions and economic benefits

China agreed to suspend rare earth export limits for one year, therefore resolving supply issues for semiconductors by addressing serious supply chain weaknesses. Through massive American purchases of soybeans, agricultural trade will start right away, whereas both countries agreed to greater Fentanyl cooperation to halt the flow of precursor chemicals. The agreement builds on preliminary framework talks in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 and sets a basis for Continuing economic cooperation with scheduled future visits—Trump to China in April 2026 and Xi to the US later that year.

Market Relief and Future Framework

Though yearly renegotiation obligations exist, Trump assessed the meeting as "12 out of 10" and said he believed the agreement would continue "long beyond the year". While Xi stressed concentrating on "long-term," the agreement offers fast relief to companies, customers, and international markets that had been upset by rising trade tensions. "Benefits of collaboration" instead of vengeful loops. Though it establishes a diplomatic framework for managing US-China economic ties, this breakthrough frees up critical breathing room for global supply chains during the holiday season. On both sides, large customs, sanctions, and export restrictions remain in effect.