Washington Extends 90-Day Trade Truce With Beijing

The United States extends the 90-day tariff truce concluded with China. The American president signed, on August 11, a decree setting the new deadline to November 10. The existing surcharges are maintained. This measure avoids an automatic increase in customs duties and allows additional time to continue negotiations.

Content and scope of Washington’s extension

On August 11, the United States announced, by presidential decree, the 90-day extension of the trade truce concluded with China . As a result, the end of the suspension of tariff increases is postponed until November 10.

This measure suspends the implementation of increases planned at the initial deadline and maintains current rates: 30% on Chinese imports and 10% on American exports. It extends the May agreement in Geneva, which had established a 90-day pause to reduce tensions.

China confirmed, via the Xinhua agency, that it is applying the same extension, aligning its position with Washington’s.

Both parties maintain the dialogue mechanism established since spring. This has allowed freezing the tariff escalation while maintaining pressure on points of disagreement. No changes have been made to the existing tariff conditions, offering a degree of short-term commercial stability.

Status of negotiations and consequences for markets and businesses

Since May, several rounds of talks have taken place in Geneva, London, and Stockholm. Washington states that China has taken measures considered significant to address American economic and national security concerns. Thus, exchanges continue with the goal of finding common ground before the new deadline.

The American president indicates that negotiations are constructive. Also, he insists on the need to obtain concrete concessions. Among these is an increase in Chinese purchases of agricultural products, particularly soybeans. And Beijing on its side declares it wants a positive outcome, based on equality and mutual benefit.

In fact, this extension provides visibility to importers and exporters. Trade flows can be planned at current rates until November 10 to reduce short-term uncertainty. The exemption of gold from new duties, confirmed by Washington, has eased market concerns and contributed to price stabilization after rumors of taxation.

However, other surcharges decided in recent months , notably on steel, aluminum, and some industrial goods, remain in effect. New taxes could be applied if no agreement is found before the deadline. Companies must therefore anticipate several scenarios and adapt their supply strategies.