Trump says the U.S. will Engage in a "Very Friendly" Trade Rivalry with China

President Donald Trump spoke at Carnegie Mellon University’s Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, where he announced a new trade deal with Indonesia and described the U.S. trade relationship with China as a “very friendly” competition. His comments come as global markets grapple with the effects of his recent tariffs, including a 10% baseline on many countries and steeper rates for others, especially China.

Trump called the Indonesia deal a big win, hinting it could open the door for more agreements, possibly with India. “We’re doing great with China on trade,” he said, striking an optimistic tone despite ongoing tensions.

The president’s remarks follow months of tough negotiations, with recent meetings in London and Geneva focusing on critical issues like rare earth minerals, which are essential for industries like car manufacturing and tech.

• Trump Calls U.S.-China Trade a ‘Friendly Battle,’ Announces New Indonesia Deal
• Trump Touts Indonesia Trade Pact Amid Ongoing Tariff Tensions with China
• At Energy Summit, Trump Highlights Trade Wins and Softens Tone on China

The U.S.-China trade relationship is still tricky. Trump has kept high tariffs on Chinese goods, sometimes as high as 145%, though he suggested these could ease if talks go well. China has pushed back, warning against moves that could disrupt supply chains and threatening to hit back if needed. A temporary agreement in June helped calm things down, but experts say long-term solutions are tough due to differences in how the two countries approach trade.

On X, people have mixed views. Some highlight Trump’s claim that the U.S. is “way ahead” of China economically, while others see his “friendly” tone as a way to keep negotiations on track.

Also Read: France May Scrap 2 Public Holidays to Boost Government Finances

Trump’s tariffs have shaken up global markets, with the World Bank cutting its 2025 growth forecast to 2.3% because of trade uncertainties. The Indonesia deal is a step forward, but the broader trade war is still causing worries about supply chains and higher prices for consumers. As talks continue, many are watching to see if Trump’s friendly approach will lead to solid deals or add more strain to U.S.-China ties.