US President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with China, signaling a potential shift in the ongoing tariff disputes. He also hinted at a forthcoming deal with India, while continuing his aggressive trade policies.

Related:

Trump Urges Congress to ‘Kill’ the Voice of America

US President Donald Trump declared on June 26 that the United States signed a trade agreement with China, marking a significant moment in the protracted economic conflict between the two nations.

Speaking at a White House event, Trump did not disclose the details of the deal but emphasized its importance. Simultaneously, he revealed plans to finalize a “big” trade agreement with India soon, signaling a broader strategy to reshape US trade relations.

Trump’s first presidential term was defined by aggressive trade policies, including imposing steep tariffs on China and other major trading partners such as the European Union, Mexico, and Canada.

His administration justified these measures as necessary to protect American industries, create jobs, and address unfair trade practices. However, independent analyses, including those from the Federal Reserve, have challenged these claims, noting that tariffs have not significantly boosted manufacturing employment or production.

Despite criticism, Trump remains a staunch supporter of tariffs, describing them as his “favorite word” and a key tool to pressure other countries into concessions. His recent statements suggest a continuation of this approach, with tariffs serving both economic and geopolitical objectives.

While Trump hailed the new agreement with China as “excellent,” experts caution that many tariffs remain in place, and the deal may primarily represent a framework rather than a comprehensive resolution.

Previous negotiations, including the “phase one” deal signed in early 2020, failed to fully resolve underlying tensions, and retaliatory tariffs continue to affect global supply chains.

Trump says he signed a trade deal with China yesterday. pic.twitter.com/orIvjyYcrG

— StockMarket.News (@_Investinq) June 26, 2025

The US-China trade dispute has also intersected with concerns over fentanyl trafficking, with the US imposing additional tariffs linked to alleged Chinese involvement in precursor chemical shipments. These complex issues underscore the multifaceted nature of the trade conflict, blending economic competition with national security and public health concerns.

Beyond China, Trump announced intentions to secure a substantial trade agreement with India, aiming to “open” the Indian market to US goods. Additionally, the US has presented a new trade proposal to the European Union, seeking to avoid further tariff escalations ahead of a July 9 deadline. These moves reflect an ongoing effort to leverage trade policy as a tool of economic diplomacy and geopolitical influence.

Trump’s trade wars are seen as extensions of US imperialism, using economic coercion to dominate global markets and enforce neoliberal agendas. The imposition of tariffs often harms working-class consumers and workers worldwide by increasing prices and disrupting supply chains, while benefiting corporate interests aligned with the US establishment.

Critics argue that these policies exacerbate global inequalities and fuel geopolitical instability, calling instead for multilateral cooperation based on fairness and respect for sovereign development paths. The recent agreements, framed as victories by the Trump administration, may mask ongoing power imbalances and the persistence of aggressive economic tactics.

President Trump’s announcement of a trade deal with China and potential agreements with India and Europe highlights the continuing volatility of global trade relations. While these deals may offer temporary relief or strategic advantages, the underlying conflicts and contradictions remain unresolved.True economic justice requires dismantling coercive trade practices and fostering equitable international partnerships beyond the narrow interests of hegemonic powers.

IN THIS ARTICLE