The US and China have agreed to extend their current tariff suspension by 90 days, delaying steep duty increases that could severely impact bilateral trade flows and global supply chains.
Reuters revealed that the extension was confirmed by both US President Donald Trump and China’s Commerce Ministry, and it pushes the tariff escalation deadline to 10 November 2025.
The current levies, 30 per cent on Chinese imports into the US and 10 per cent on American goods entering China, will remain in place. Officials suspended the planned increases to 145 per cent and 125 per cent, respectively.
This decision follows recent negotiations in Geneva and Stockholm, where US officials reportedly demanded increased Chinese purchases of agricultural goods, notably soybeans, while China continues to seek better access to US high-tech exports.
READ: US suspends tariffs as China trade tensions escalate
Although talks yielded no major breakthroughs, the temporary extension shows both sides remain interested in continuing dialogue.
The trade détente appears aimed at stabilising market sentiment ahead of the year-end peak in global shipping and manufacturing.
Financial markets responded positively, with equities and commodities — including oil — registering moderate gains following the announcement.
While the move postpones immediate risks to port and terminal operations across Asia and North America, the underlying disputes remain unresolved.
The possibility of tariff hikes resurfacing in November leaves supply chain stakeholders facing continued uncertainty.
The announcement followed the US decision to introduce new port entry fees for Chinese-owned, operated, and built vessels, effective from 14 October 2025.
