Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Markets calm after Trump’s trade war with China causes meltdown

US president nows says he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at G20 summit in Japan

Chris Riotta
New York
Tuesday 14 May 2019 16:12 EDT
Comments
Trump responds to China's retaliatory tariffs: 'This is a very positive step. I love the position we're in'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump has described his trade war with China as “a little squabble” and said he has an “extraordinary” relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping exactly one day after he rocked global markets with massive threats of new tariffs.

The US president also warned Beijing he would impose tariffs on an additional $300bn (£232.4bn) in Chinese goods, telling reporters on Tuesday before departing for Louisiana that he believes negotiations between both countries are “going to turn out extremely well.”

“We’re in a very strong position,” Mr Trump told media from the White House South Lawn.

Stock markets rebounded somewhat on Tuesday after China’s announcing $60bn (£46.5bn) in tariffs against US goods in response to Mr Trump’s threats spurred the Dow Jones Industrial to drop more than two per cent a day prior. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also both rose .44 per cent and .62 per cent, respectively.

The boost was likely supported in part by Mr Trump’s statement that he expected to meet with the Chinese president at the G20 summit in Japan next month.

However, at a Tuesday briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told reporters he had “no information” about a possible meeting between the two world leaders at the upcoming summit.

Mr Trump has continued to post a series of tweets aimed at China over the week, saying on Tuesday that a deal would be made with Beijing “when the time is right.”

“My respect and friendship with President Xi is unlimited but, as I have told him many times before, this must be a great deal for the United States or it just doesn’t make any sense,” the president tweeted. “We have to be allowed to make up some of the tremendous ground we have lost to China on Trade since the ridiculous one sided formation of the WTO. It will all happen, and much faster than people think!”

He added in a follow up tweet, “In any event, China wants a deal!”

As tensions between Mr Trump and Mr JinPing continue flaring up, market analysts and even members of the White House administration are warning of the potential consequences that can arise from an escalation in the trade war.

Larry Kudlow, the president’s top economic adviser, said during an interview on Sunday “both sides will suffer” from a continued trade war between the US and China.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Mr Trump appeared defiant yet hopeful despite the turbulent markets and China’s vows to impose new tariffs, saying this week, “We're going to be meeting, as you know, at the G20 in Japan and that'll be, I think, probably a very fruitful meeting.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in