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Trump: “We’ll get along with China… but fair trade is necessary”
AI Prompt 2025. 10. 20. 12:09Trump: “We’ll get along with China… but fair trade is necessary”
※ U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 19th (local time) that while cooperation with China is possible, “trade must be fair,” hinting at potential tariff relief.At the same time, he warned that he “doesn’t want to play games with rare earths,” sending a mixed message of détente and pressure.
These remarks appear aimed at securing leverage before a separate bilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, Korea. 😅
According to Washington reports, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump said, “If China takes certain steps, we can consider lowering parts of the tariffs.”
The comment comes shortly after the U.S. imposed high tariffs (up to 157%) on Chinese goods such as medium/large trucks, electronic components, and rare-earth raw materials—widely read as a negotiating signal.
“I believe we can get along with China, but it must be fair trade,” he said. “The U.S. will no longer tolerate an imbalanced trade structure.”
He also criticized China’s rare-earth export controls, saying he doesn’t want a ‘rare-earth game.’
China accounts for over 70% of global rare-earth supply, a crucial input for U.S. semiconductors, batteries, and defense. Trump indicated that if China continues restrictions, the U.S. will push to build an independent supply chain.
Addressing Beijing’s halt in U.S. soybean purchases, he called the move unreasonable and said he expects trade to return at least to prior levels.
“I believe they will come to an agreement soon,” he added, keeping the door open for talks.
Trump also reaffirmed in a Fox News interview that he will hold a separate bilateral meeting with Xi in Gyeongju, Korea.
The session is expected to focus on U.S.–China trade, supply chains, tariffs, AI, and energy cooperation, making it one of the key focal points of APEC.
💬 What the Remarks Mean — “Negotiating Pressure + Tariff Card”
Trump justified the 100% additional tariff by saying “China pushed us into that situation.”
Yet he also said such high rates are “not sustainable,” effectively leaving room for tariff relief.
Translation: if China eases rare-earth and agricultural restrictions or expands U.S. manufacturing investment (e.g., battery/semiconductor assembly), Trump may offer partial tariff rollbacks at the negotiating table.
In the U.S., this is seen as classic “deal diplomacy”—brandishing pressure and tariffs while ultimately aiming for a negotiated settlement.
🌎 Economic & Market Impact
1️⃣ U.S. Market
- Positives
- Hopes of easing tensions could lift semiconductors and AI plays on the Nasdaq.
- Potential normalization of agri-trade could benefit farm machinery, fertilizers, and logistics names.
- Rare-earth self-reliance narrative may re-rate U.S. resource and processing firms (e.g., MP Materials).
- Negatives
- If talks fail and tariffs persist, imported inflation could linger → rate-cut expectations weaken → market correction risk.
🟢 U.S. Stock Ideas
- NVIDIA (NVDA): AI server momentum intact; any reduction in China risk supports sentiment.
- MP Materials (MP): Flagship beneficiary of U.S. rare-earth supply-chain onshoring.
- Caterpillar (CAT): Gains from China infrastructure normalization and improved trade flows.
- Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM): Margin recovery if agri-trade stabilizes.
2️⃣ Korea Market
- Positives
- Trade détente is a tailwind for semiconductors, displays, and auto-parts.
- Potential KRW strength could attract foreign net buying.
- Stabilized rare-earth/material supply favors the battery value chain (e.g., POSCO Future M, L&F).
- Negatives
- Trump’s “fair trade” stance could later expand scrutiny to other trade partners, including Korea.
🟢 Korea Stock Ideas
- POSCO Future M (003670): Beneficiary of materials localization and supply-chain resilience.
- Samsung Electronics (005930): Memory/AI server demand likely to accelerate if tensions cool.
- Hyundai Glovis (086280): Trade normalization supports shipping/logistics earnings.
- LG Chem (051910): Potential beneficiary of strengthened North American battery collaborations.
📊 Investor Insights
Trump’s message mixes pressure and conciliation—a politico-economic hybrid.
Near-term, tariff-relief hopes may spark a relief rally, but mid-to-long term, the administration’s “fair-trade doctrine” could broaden to Korea, Japan, and the EU.
👉 Maintain a risk-diversified portfolio, while closely monitoring:
① U.S.–China news flow,
② Rare-earth and agricultural price trends,
③ Technical base-building in semis/AI.
❓ FAQ
Q1. If tariff relief is hinted, is that bullish near-term?
A. Yes—near-term positive. But a failed negotiation could quickly reverse sentiment.
Q2. Will rare-earth names keep rallying?
A. Structural support from U.S. supply-chain policy remains, but beware volatility after sharp run-ups.
Q3. Which sectors should Korean investors watch?
A. Semiconductors, batteries, and rare-earth/materials—first-order beneficiaries of easing tensions.
Q4. Could the “fair trade” line extend to Korea?
A. Over the long run, yes. Given Korea’s trade surplus structure, tariff re-alignment debates could resurface.