Listeners, here’s your latest update on US-China tariff news for November 5, 2025. US President Donald Trump has just signed two new executive orders following a recent trade agreement with China. These orders come in the wake of months of elevated trade tensions and rapid policy changes earlier this year.

Back in April, the US declared a national emergency and implemented steep reciprocal tariffs targeting a wide range of Chinese imports, with some rates escalating to a staggering 145%, based on executive orders from the White House. According to reporting from Global Sanctions, both nations subsequently engaged in intensive trade talks and, by May 2025, reached an initial agreement to dial those tariffs down significantly for a 90-day period, cutting the overall reciprocal tariff rate to just 10%. This temporary suspension was then extended another 90 days in August.

But the major headline today is that following more negotiations, President Trump has now issued another executive order suspending those heightened reciprocal tariffs for an entire year. As it stands, the US reciprocal tariff rate on Chinese goods will remain at 10% through at least November 2026, giving businesses and markets a clearer runway.

On China’s side, official statements quoted by Vital Law and EY Tax News indicate Beijing will suspend all retaliatory tariffs announced since early March this year. This covers a wide range of US products, with US agricultural exports among the most directly impacted. That means US farmers and other exporters are likely to see immediate relief from the tit-for-tat tariff hikes that have defined much of this year’s trade climate.

One more important update involves opioid-related products, a particular flashpoint in recent US-China relations. Earlier this year, following the national emergency declaration, the United States imposed a 10% tariff on opioid imports from China, and then quickly doubled that to 20%. But as part of the new agreements, those opioid tariffs are set to be reduced back down to 10%, becoming effective November 10th.

To recap, the US reciprocal tariff rate on Chinese goods is locked at 10% until November 2026, China is suspending its post-March retaliatory tariffs, and opioid-related tariffs are dropping back to 10% later this month. These developments could mark a significant cooling of recent US–China trade tensions, though listeners should stay tuned for any new twists in the coming weeks.

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Welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker, your source for up-to-the-minute updates on tariffs and U.S.-China trade developments.

The latest headlines center squarely on the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Beijing. On August 11, 2025, the United States and China announced a 90-day extension of their mutual tariff reductions as part of a temporary trade de-escalation pact. This agreement provides some relief for businesses reliant on cross-Pacific commerce, but it's important for listeners to note that the future of tariffs remains highly dependent on the outcome of upcoming Supreme Court deliberations and executive decisions.

Currently, the general United States tariff rate on imports from China is in flux, but most market analysts and trading platforms like Polymarket expect the rate to settle below 25 percent by November 12, 2025, with an 86 percent probability. There is an outside chance, around 11 percent, that the rate will fall between 25 and 40 percent, but higher brackets seem exceedingly unlikely as of now. Specific tariffs on goods related to the production of fentanyl are set to drop from 20 percent to 10 percent, part of an effort coordinated with Chinese authorities to curb the flow of illicit substances, according to the latest government sources.

In a significant press gaggle aboard Air Force One on November 2, President Donald Trump declared that tariffs are not just about economics, but also national security. He stated, “If we don’t have tariffs, we don’t have national security.” Trump also emphasized his personal rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping, sharing that Chinese officials have assured him China will not take any action on Taiwan while Trump is in office. Trump’s posture is seen as a deterrent to Chinese expansionism and a way to maintain leverage during sensitive trade negotiations.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added further pressure, warning that the administration stands ready to raise tariffs if China does not honor its commitments, particularly regarding the lifting of restrictions on rare earth exports. This reflects the White House’s broader strategy to keep economic and strategic interests tightly linked.

Trade watchers highlight terms from the recent Busan agreement: The United States will lower the total tariff rate on Chinese goods from about 57 percent to 47 percent, postponing further escalation for now. The 47 percent rate is less severe than the peak of 135 percent seen after "Liberation Day" this spring, but it remains more than twice as high as the rate at the end of Trump's first term in 2021. Both U.S. and Chinese officials have described the new trade pact as a major stabilization, but many caution that the Trump administration has fundamentally reshaped the norm in international trade.

These tariff adjustments and negotiations could influence U.S. exports to China, which reached $14 billion year-to-date through July 2025, with analysts projecting further increases as China fulfills new purchase commitments pursuant to phase two trade agreements.

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Listeners, here’s the latest on China tariffs and US-China trade, as President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping struck a major economic agreement this week. The deal, finalized at a summit in South Korea, is being called a historic move that aims to rebalance trade and lower tensions between the world’s two largest economies. This comes after months of escalating tariffs and tit-for-tat actions, especially involving technology and agriculture.

Under the agreement, China will suspend all retaliatory tariffs it imposed since the beginning of March 2025. This means tariffs on American agricultural products—like chicken, wheat, corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy—are being lifted immediately. China also committed to purchasing at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans before the end of this year and 25 million metric tons each year through 2028, a critical boon for American farmers according to the White House fact sheet.

In addition, China will end new export controls on rare earth elements announced in October, which affects industries relying on gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite. China’s move also benefits U.S. semiconductor companies, as all investigations and non-tariff countermeasures targeting American firms in this sector are suspended. The market-based tariff exclusion process on U.S. imports is being extended through December 2026, providing certainty for exporters amid global supply chain concerns.

For its part, the United States, according to Fox Business, agreed to lower the special tariffs put in place to curb fentanyl flows from China by 10 percentage points starting November 10, 2025. Suspended reciprocal tariffs will remain in place until November 2026, with the current 10 percent rate unchanged during that period. Certain Section 301 tariff exclusions which were set to expire this month have now been extended until November 2026, offering relief to both U.S. importers and Chinese exporters. The U.S. also agreed to delay enforcement of newly proposed export rules targeting Chinese affiliates until late 2026 and suspended new trade investigations related to China’s shipbuilding and logistics sectors for a year.

The White House described this agreement as a massive victory for economic strength and national security, with expanded market access for U.S. businesses and farmers. Trump’s Asia trip not only sealed this deal with China but led to new trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, plus frameworks for negotiations with Thailand and Vietnam. Investment commitments from Japan and South Korea were also secured.

Some voices, like those on geopoliticaleconomy.com, are calling this a de-escalation, suggesting the US has essentially reversed most of the punitive trade measures imposed since April. Will this agreement end the trade war or trigger another chapter? For now, US-China tariffs are lower and new opportunities await American exporters.

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Welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker, your dedicated source for the latest shifts in American trade policy with China.

This week, U.S. trade policy toward China is again at the forefront, with major headlines emerging around tariff rates and potential shifts. According to reports from Sprague Energy, President Donald Trump is set to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports, bringing the rate down to 47% from a higher figure of around 57%. This move comes as part of an effort to restart U.S. soybean purchases by China, in what appears to be a targeted use of tariff policy to influence agricultural trade flows. The reduction, described as a halving of specific levies related to fentanyl precursor chemicals, signals a possible thaw in trade tensions, at least in certain sectors. It’s a clear example of how tariffs continue to be a flexible tool in the U.S. trade arsenal, responsive to both domestic economic pressures and diplomatic priorities.

On the broader front, the overall tariff landscape between the two nations remains a hot topic. A recent ABC News broadcast from October 30, 2025, highlighted President Trump’s stated intention to lower the general tariff rate on Chinese goods. While details remain sparse, the announcement suggests a willingness to recalibrate the economic relationship between Washington and Beijing. This comes amidst ongoing discussions—and at times, private negotiations—between U.S. and Chinese officials, with trade, technology, and security all on the table.

Listeners should note, however, that these adjustments do not necessarily signal an end to the broader U.S.-China trade confrontation. The U.S. continues to view China as both a vital trading partner and a strategic competitor, and tariff policy remains a central means of addressing trade imbalances, intellectual property concerns, and national security issues. The interplay between economic interests and geopolitical strategy means that further tariff moves—up or down—can be expected as the two superpowers navigate an increasingly complex relationship.

For anyone tracking the impact on markets, industries, or consumer prices, these changes are a reminder to stay vigilant. Tariff adjustments can ripple through supply chains, affect commodity prices, and reshape the competitive landscape for businesses operating in both countries.

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Listeners, today’s top story is the ongoing negotiation between the United States and China, with President Trump’s administration making headlines after a weekend of major trade announcements. According to NAM, the United States Trade Representative just launched a new Section 301 investigation into China’s compliance with the Phase One Agreement, questioning whether China has held up its agricultural and intellectual property commitments. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that a U.S.–China deal is reportedly near, setting the stage for President Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The deal may include China agreeing not to apply new export controls on rare earth elements, which are critical for U.S. manufacturing. China recently began restricting exports on 12 of 17 rare earths and added licensing requirements for products using Chinese trace elements, shaping industry supply chains worldwide. On soybeans, China is poised to increase its agricultural purchases—a move to remedy near-zero buys from America so far this year, despite earlier commitments.

While advanced semiconductor chips remain a sticking point, experts predict China may push for the U.S. to loosen current restrictions on chip exports and manufacturing technology, a critical issue given global tech competition.

Of note, negotiators have discussed extending the existing tariff truce. Previously, tariffs peaked above 100% on certain Chinese exports. Under the truce, duties fell to approximately 30% for Chinese goods and 10% for American exports. Final details of the trade agreement are under review for president-level decision making, with President Trump indicating he’ll visit China early next year, and President Xi planning a reciprocal visit to the U.S. later in 2025.

On the regulatory front, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a Federal Register notice, soliciting public feedback through December 1 on whether China has failed to honor the Phase One commitments and what new actions—such as additional duties or import restrictions—might be warranted to defend U.S. interests.

For listeners tracking tariffs, EFG International reports that the effective U.S. tariff rate rose considerably in recent years—from just 1.6% in early 2018 to roughly 12% by the second quarter of 2025. This surge reflects both increased customs duties and the impact of contentious U.S.–China trade relations.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Trump administration works through final details of the U.S.–China deal, navigates complex supply chains, and continues to shape the tariff landscape. Thank you for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker—be sure to subscribe for the latest headlines and tariff changes. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Listeners, today’s update brings pivotal news in the ongoing trade drama between the United States and China, with former President Donald Trump’s legacy looming over tariff policy and current headlines shaping the future outlook.

New tariffs and export controls on Chinese goods and certain technologies are set to take effect on November 1, 2025, unless there is a last-minute breakthrough in negotiations. According to Mondaq, these pending measures reflect continued U.S. efforts to counter China’s industrial expansion and maintain leverage in trade talks. The Biden administration has not reversed Trump-era tariffs, and instead, has added further controls targeting Chinese semiconductors, solar components, and electric vehicles since 2024, intensifying pressure on critical sectors.

The tariffs first introduced by Trump in 2018 remain in force, with rates on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese imports still averaging 19% for manufactured goods and up to 25% on select electronics, steel, and machinery. Politico recently reported that bipartisan support for these tariffs persists in Congress as U.S. officials cite national security and supply chain resilience concerns.

Last week’s headlines on CNBC highlighted escalating tensions as Chinese officials criticized what they call “unfair trade practices,” warning of retaliation if new tariffs take effect. Investors and business leaders are bracing for volatility, with the National Retail Federation urging both governments to pursue a negotiated settlement to prevent price hikes and shortages in consumer goods ahead of the holiday season.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has promised even higher tariffs on Chinese goods if re-elected, telling Fox Business that a “100% tariff on critical Chinese imports” is necessary to protect American workers and end what he describes as “economic warfare.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office signals readiness to enforce the scheduled increases set for November, unless China concedes to specific technology transfer and intellectual property demands.

In summary, U.S.–China tariff policy is at a critical crossroads. All eyes are on the November 1 deadline, with manufacturers, retailers, and tech companies monitoring for updates and preparing contingency plans. The Trump administration’s original framework remains the baseline, but new actions threaten further disruption.

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Listeners, the US-China trade relationship has reached a new boiling point as President Trump announced on October 10 an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, set to take effect November 1. This move comes in retaliation for China’s decision to broaden export controls on rare earth minerals, of which China supplies about 70% of the world’s demand. Trump also declared that the US would impose comprehensive export controls on what he called “any and all critical software”—a striking escalation in this ongoing economic rivalry, as detailed in the latest Wikipedia briefing on tariffs in the second Trump administration.

This new round of tariffs means the effective US tariff rate on Chinese imports will soar to historic levels, following an earlier cycle this year where tariffs rose as high as 145% after a retaliatory spiral in April. In response, the Chinese Finance Ministry stated they would ignore any further American tariff hikes, declaring that such moves would “become a joke in the history of world economy.”

The real-world consequences have already started to hit American businesses and consumers. Retail CEOs warned the White House back in April that tariff escalation would lead to visible price increases and widespread product shortages. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in August showed a sharp slowdown in hiring, which many attribute to tariff-induced uncertainty. Despite these concerns, President Trump dismissed the numbers as “rigged” and even fired the head of the bureau.

While tensions have grown, both the US and China have attempted negotiations. In May, officials from both countries held talks in Switzerland, and by mid-May they agreed to a temporary reduction in tariffs—down to 30% for US tariffs on Chinese goods and 10% for Chinese tariffs on American goods—for a 90-day negotiating period. Despite occasional signs of progress, according to Discovery Alert and Fortune, most current diplomatic efforts focus on restoring the pre-tariff economic environment rather than creating new trade frameworks.

By September, the average applied US tariff rate was estimated at 17.9%, but current events are pushing these rates much higher. The Trump administration’s aggressive use of tariff authorities, including moves under the rarely-invoked International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and his closure of the de minimis exemption for low-value imports are considered unprecedented in scale. As of last month, US tariff revenue soared above $30 billion per month, compared to less than $10 billion per month just a year ago.

Listeners should also note that China has retaliated by halting all rare earth exports, intensifying their licensing regime on critical minerals, and banning key business ties with US subsidiaries of Korean shipbuilders. The resulting tit-for-tat has not only raised economic and supply chain risks, but has also injected a great deal of uncertainty into global markets.

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Welcome listeners to China Tariff News and Tracker. Today’s update comes amid a pivotal period in US-China trade relations, as tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration continue to shape the global economic landscape.

According to Polymarket, on August 11, 2025, the United States and China agreed to a 90-day extension of their mutual tariff reductions, part of a temporary trade de-escalation deal that was designed to cool ongoing tensions. As of now, expectations suggest that the general tariff rate on US imports from China will likely remain in the 25 to 40 percent range through November 2025, as the extension keeps these steep tariffs in effect for most goods crossing between the world’s two largest economies.

The tangible impact of these tariffs is becoming more apparent to everyday Americans. Nasdaq reports that clothing and footwear prices have risen between 10 and 20 percent this year, while wool, silk, and leather products have jumped up to 36 percent. Cars and car parts, especially those reliant on foreign components, have seen price increases above 8 percent. Even basics like groceries, personal care products, and energy costs have edged higher, with some categories, such as personal care and imported food, now noticeably more expensive due to both direct US tariffs on Chinese goods and retaliatory tariffs from China, Canada, and the EU.

According to international trade experts cited by Nasdaq, the average American household is now paying anywhere from $2,300 to $3,800 more per year—primarily due to these tariff-driven price hikes. Lower-income families are reportedly hardest hit, losing up to 4 percent of their disposable income. The effects are especially pronounced for goods that rely heavily on global supply chains, like electronics and furniture, which continue to experience “sticky inflation” that shows little sign of abating into 2026.

Economists and analysts cited suggest that while domestic manufacturing is seeing modest gains thanks to reduced foreign competition and some new reshoring, this has only partially offset the higher costs for consumers. Additionally, the US-China trade dispute is driving changes in agricultural markets, with lower prices for American exports such as soybeans and pork, helping consumers short-term but hurting US farmers and the broader agricultural sector.

Looking forward, the consensus among experts is that inflation related to tariffs will remain a significant economic pressure point, keeping core inflation at around 3 percent through mid-2026. Households are being advised to shop strategically, focus on private-label brands where possible, and only make major purchases when absolutely necessary.

That wraps up today’s episode of China Tariff News and Tracker. Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay on top of the latest developments. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Listeners, today marks a major escalation in the US-China trade war, with President Donald Trump announcing a staggering 155 percent tariff on all Chinese imports, set to take effect November 1, 2025. According to MoneyControl, Trump described the move as necessary due to years of “one-sided economic dealings,” accusing China of taking an “extraordinarily aggressive position on trade.” He stated that although he wishes to maintain friendly relations, the United States has “no choice but to take firm action.” Trump’s announcement expands on the already steep 55 percent tariff currently in place, adding another 100 percent on top of existing rates on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods.

The decision comes after China expanded export controls on rare earths—minerals vital for US tech and defense industries. Grant Thornton reports China’s early October ban on rare earth shipments as a retaliatory measure against US pressure. Trump responded by threatening not only tariffs but sweeping export controls on critical software, saying, “Starting November 1st...the United States will impose Export Controls on any and all critical software.” China, on its part, has halted US soybean imports and threatened action against foreign companies aiding American industry.

The Economic Times highlights that this tariff rate is unprecedented in modern trade, more than triple any prior duties on a major US trading partner. Market reaction has been swift and negative: major US stock indices plunged—Dow Jones down nearly 900 points—with analysts warning of supply chaos for key manufacturers like Tesla, Apple, and Nvidia, all of whom rely heavily on Chinese components. For listeners tracking inflation, previous tariff rounds added up to one percentage point per year to consumer prices. This rate could sharply spike costs for everything from electronics to household goods.

Bloomberg notes that, despite a 17 percent drop in Chinese exports to the US this year, China still ships upwards of $1 billion in goods to America each day. The coming tariff hike could cripple these volumes overnight unless both sides find common ground. Trump has hinted at a possible diplomatic visit to China in 2026, but has repeatedly emphasized protecting US workers and combating what he calls “unfair” Chinese trade tactics.

With the November 1 implementation date approaching fast, the world is watching for China’s response. Supply chains are already fraying, inflation risks are rising, and investment uncertainty is mounting. Analysts say whether negotiation or crash comes next, US-China tariff tensions are at a tipping point, with global implications for tech, manufacturing, retail, and agriculture.

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Listeners, if you’ve been tracking the U.S.-China tariff drama, the past week—and indeed the past few months—have delivered whiplash-inducing updates. You’re joining us just as the tension peaks, markets churn, and negotiators in Washington and Beijing edge closer to what could be either a breakthrough or another escalation.

Starting with the numbers, as of this month, the U.S. has reciprocal tariffs on most Chinese goods set at a staggering 125%, according to S-GE. This rate is piled on top of the existing 20% Section 301 tariffs, and both are in addition to the standard Most Favored Nation rates. These measures, first imposed in April, exclude a handful of critical categories like steel, aluminum, copper, vehicles, semiconductors, and select electronics—but for everything else, the math is punishing. The duty-free de minimis exception for small parcels from China was eliminated back in May, meaning even the smallest shipments now face tariffs.

But here’s the kicker: President Trump, as recently as this past week, has threatened to double down with a further 100% hike on Chinese exports, a move he described to Fox News as “not sustainable, but it could stand.” He’s openly signaled willingness to ease off—if Beijing meets his demands. On Air Force One, Trump laid out his conditions: more soybean purchases, a crackdown on fentanyl exports, and no “rare earth games.” He’s emphasized, “I want to help China, I’m not going to hurt China, but they have to give us things.” Fortune reports the president now claims Chinese firms are paying the equivalent of 155 to 157% in tariffs, though formal documentation puts the current cumulative rate at 145% for most goods.

The impact? Chinese exports to the U.S. fell 27% in September alone, marking six months of double-digit declines, according to both Fortune and Caixin Global. But Beijing hasn’t stood still. China’s exports to the rest of the world jumped nearly 15% last month, driving an 8.3% overall increase and nearly $330 billion in September sales—a record for 2025. Meanwhile, shipping rates from China to the U.S. surged 32% this month as exporters raced to beat potential new tariffs, only for volumes to collapse again as the threat loomed larger. Retailers like Walmart have quietly shifted sourcing: where 80% of goods came from China in 2018, that figure is now just 60%.

The reaction from Beijing has been defiant. China’s Ministry of Commerce declared, “Frequently threatening high tariffs is not the right approach to engaging with China. China’s position on a tariff war is consistent: We do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.” And China has retaliated in kind, not just with matching tariffs but also with export controls on critical minerals and cutting-edge technologies, as well as expanding its own “unreliable entity” list targeting U.S. firms.

So where does this leave us? A fragile truce is set to expire next month, with both sides signaling a willingness to talk—but neither blinking. President Trump told Bloomberg, “The US will be fine with China,” but added that the current tariff levels are unsustainable in the long run. For now, billions flow into U.S. coffers, supply chains convulse, and businesses on both sides of the Pacific hedge, pivot, and pray for stability.

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The US-China trade relationship is again at a crossroads this October, as both economic superpowers escalate tariffs and trade restrictions ahead of a rare in-person meeting between former President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping later this month. The drumbeat for new tariffs and fees is growing louder, and the effects are rippling through global supply chains and shipping markets.

Ocean container shipping spot rates from China to the United States have surged dramatically—Freight Right Global Logistics reports rates climbed roughly $700 to $900 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU) in a single week, with China to US West Coast now at $2,000 to $2,100 per FEU and China to US East Coast at $3,000 to $3,100 per FEU. These spikes are largely due to a mad dash by importers to beat next month’s headline tariffs. On November 1, the US is set to impose a 25% tariff on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, 10% on buses, and, most explosively, is considering an additional 100% across-the-board tariff on all Chinese imports—a move that has caught many industries off guard, according to industry analysts.

Late last week, Washington and Beijing implemented reciprocal port-entry fees, directly targeting each other’s shipping ecosystems, and adding new cost pressures for both carriers and cargo owners. Importers have just a two-week window to get goods through US ports before the worst of the tariff risk arrives, and with carriers having pulled a significant share of vessels from rotations, space is extremely tight. Those trying to secure bookings on West Coast routes, the only lanes that can still deliver before November 1, are finding rates at a premium. The East Coast, with longer transit times, is seeing a temporary, more fragile spike, as many shipments there will miss the deadline and face the full brunt of the new tariffs.

The truck and bus tariffs, formalized by a Trump Executive Order last Friday, apply not only to finished vehicles but also to parts—engines, transmissions, tires, and more. The White House cites national security, noting these vehicles and their components are critical to US infrastructure and defense. However, the order also sets up possible tariff offsets for companies that source or assemble in North America. These moves have added complexity for logistics and sourcing teams, with immediate fee exposure at ports and a near-term step-up in tariff and licensing challenges.

The psychological impact of these measures is already being felt in global markets. For example, Discovery Alert notes that historical patterns show businesses tend to increase inventories by 15-25% ahead of tariff shocks, driving temporary demand surges, while investors rotate into safe-haven assets like gold as uncertainty rises. And while air freight saw a brief softening in late September, rates rebounded sharply this month, driven by pre-holiday shipments and urgency to beat the tariff deadline, with spot rates to the US now averaging $6.0 to $6.5 per kilogram and still climbing.

As Washington and Beijing continue to test each other’s resolve, the Supreme Court is set to hear a landmark case on the legality and limits of presidential tariff authority, with Trump himself planning a rare in-person appearance. The legal and economic stakes could not be higher, and the next two weeks promise to be a litmus test for just how far this new trade war will go.

Listeners, thank you for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker. For the latest on tariffs, trade, and everything moving between the world’s two largest economies, hit subscribe and stay with us as this story unfolds. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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