Trump and Xi Set for Crucial APEC Summit Amid Escalating Trade Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet at the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 31 to November 1, 2025. This marks their first face-to-face encounter since 2019, amidst ongoing trade tensions. The meeting occurs during a 90-day tariff truce set to expire on November 10, 2025. Pre-summit negotiations between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are planned for October 24-27 in Kuala Lumpur. Recent developments include China's new export controls on rare earth elements and Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods. The summit's outcome could significantly impact global trade relations and economic stability.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, is set to host a pivotal meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Scheduled for October 31 to November 1, 2025, this face-to-face encounter marks their first since 2019, against a backdrop of heightened trade disputes between the world's two largest economies.
Key Summit Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | APEC Summit |
| Date | Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2025 |
| Location | Gyeongju, South Korea |
| Key Attendees | President Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping |
Trade Tensions Overview
The meeting comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-China trade relations:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. Tariffs | 145% on most Chinese goods (imposed April 2025) |
| China's Response | 125% retaliatory tariffs |
| Current Status | 90-day tariff truce (extended in August 2025) |
| Truce Expiration | November 10, 2025 |
Pre-Summit Negotiations
Ahead of the APEC Summit, key economic officials from both nations are set to meet:
- U.S. Representative: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Chinese Representative: Vice Premier He Lifeng
- Meeting Details: October 24-27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur
Recent Developments
The trade landscape has seen further complications:
- China announced new export controls on rare earth elements and strategic materials.
- In response, President Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1.
Summit Expectations
President Trump has indicated his willingness to negotiate on a wide range of issues, including agriculture and nuclear arsenals, stating he would make a deal on "everything" with President Xi.
Potential Outcomes
The summit's results could have far-reaching implications:
- Successful Negotiations: Could lead to a new trade agreement and eased tensions.
- Failed Negotiations: May result in the reimposition of higher tariff rates after the November 10 deadline.
Economic Implications
If negotiations fail to produce an agreement by November 10, the consequences could be significant:
- Potential supply chain disruptions
- Higher consumer costs
- Economic uncertainty for both the U.S. and China
As the APEC Summit approaches, global markets and policymakers will be closely watching the outcome of this high-stakes meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi, which could shape the future of U.S.-China trade relations and have broader implications for the global economy.
16
