President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Beijing as trade negotiations between the U.S. and China stall once again. Speaking to reporters, Trump didn’t mince words, describing Chinese President Xi Jinping as “extremely hard to make a deal with”—a clear sign that patience is wearing thin in Washington.
The diplomatic chill comes despite a temporary 90-day tariff pause agreed to in May. Since then, talks have hit a deadlock, with both nations accusing the other of violating the terms of the Geneva framework. The U.S. says China failed to ease export restrictions on key industrial minerals. China, meanwhile, is fuming over new American controls on advanced technologies like AI chips and industrial software.
In an effort to jumpstart the stalled talks, the Trump administration has proposed a direct call between Trump and Xi. But Beijing has yet to confirm a date, and no call has been scheduled. Analysts close to the administration say that without high-level engagement, a breakthrough is unlikely.
Adding fuel to the fire, the U.S. recently doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum—hiking rates from 25% to 50%. While the UK secured a temporary exemption, China and other nations are now fully exposed to the increased duties. The move, part of a broader strategy to protect U.S. industry and restore fair trade, has been met with predictable outrage from globalist critics and foreign governments.
Markets are watching the dispute closely. With no end in sight, investors are bracing for more turbulence. But Trump’s message is firm: America won’t tolerate unfair trade practices or hollow promises.
“Xi talks tough, but we’re tougher,” one senior White House official said. “President Trump is done playing games.”
As the July 8 deadline for new trade proposals looms, the clock is ticking. And unless Beijing steps up with real concessions, the Trump administration appears ready to escalate—putting America’s interests first, no matter the cost.