Posted on 10/25/2025 11:07:35 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
President Trump’s upcoming trip to Asia is a reminder that his trade philosophy has not changed: America’s economic strength is the foundation of its global influence. His mission is to turn high-stakes negotiations into opportunities for American workers and investors. But as trade tensions with China ignite again, business leaders should prepare for volatility and opportunity to rise in tandem.
The White House hopes to announce a series of trade agreements during his trip to Malaysia, Korea, and Japan. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has indicated that the administration expects to sign multiple deals during the Asia swing. The agreements would build on the broad frameworks previously negotiated with the European Union, Japan, and South Korea.
At the same time, trade tensions between Washington and Beijing are escalating. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on Beijing to withdraw its threat to restrict rare-earth exports or risk global decoupling. Beijing fired back, labeling Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs a “typical example of U.S. double standards.”
The rhetoric is sharp, but both sides are also preparing for dialogue. Bessent is set to meet Chinese officials this week, and President Trump has said, “It will all be fine” between the U.S. and “highly respected” President Xi Jinping.
The Trump-Xi détente is in flux again after months of relative calm. Earlier this year, sky-high tariffs brought trade between the two countries nearly to a halt before both sides reached a fragile truce that lowered the levies. Trump has expressed optimism that he and President Xi can meet and resolve matters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.
The president’s approach to trade policy remains consistent: Use tariffs and export controls as leverage to secure fair trade, protect national security, and rebuild American industry.
Below are four guideposts for business leaders as they assess the...
(Excerpt) Read more at realclearpolitics.com ...
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