The 90-Day Truce: What the U.S.-China Trade Deal Really Means

Markets cheer, critics scoff—but this deal gives America room to maneuver.

On May 12, 2025, after months of economic whiplash and geopolitical tension, Washington and Beijing declared a ceasefire in the tariff war that has defined this administration’s return to power. Announced from Geneva—neutral ground, as ever—the new U.S.-China trade deal slashes tariffs for 90 days, installs a consultation mechanism, and, in theory, hits pause on a decoupling that looked increasingly irreversible.

Wall Street rejoiced. Stocks soared. The dollar surged. Gold fell. And, predictably, market analysts dusted off their thesauruses to hail the deal as “better than expected,” “workable,” even a “dream scenario.” Behind the headlines lies a practical achievement: not a final settlement, but a meaningful shift—one that signals renewed economic engagement between the world’s two largest economies.

The Terms: A Breath, With Strategic Intent

The core of the deal is numerical: the U.S. reduces tariffs on Chinese imports from a punishing 145% to 30%, with a 20% fentanyl-related tariff remaining in place. China responds by cutting its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10%. A consultation platform is established—an institutional step toward more predictable, rules-based engagement.

While it’s true that thornier issues like subsidies and tech transfer remain unresolved, this agreement is no mere “pause.” It’s a tactical move that restores leverage and sets the stage for more serious negotiations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear: this is not about capitulation, but stability.

The new framework reflects the Trump administration’s pragmatic turn—firm on principle, flexible in execution. It’s a move that reassures allies and cools inflation at home, without giving away the store.

Wall Street Cheers—and Sees a Path Forward

Markets, ever hungry for clarity, reacted with enthusiasm. The S&P 500 jumped. Maersk soared 12%. Tech stocks surged. The dollar rose. The volatility index (VIX) dropped significantly, suggesting that investors now see risk as manageable, not existential.

Jordan Rochester of Mizuho called it a reversal of the “Sell America” narrative. That sentiment matters. After years of doubts about the resilience of U.S. leadership, this deal sends a message: America remains the indispensable economy.

And for working Americans, the benefits are tangible. With tariffs cut, prices on everyday goods—from clothes to electronics—are likely to fall. That’s a direct win for families navigating a tough inflationary stretch.

A Political and Strategic Win

For President Trump, this is not just good optics—it’s good statecraft. After months of tough posturing, he secured a deal that gives both sides room to breathe. He did so without abandoning his nationalist trade instincts or caving to elite pressure. That’s not easy. And it’s not nothing.

Critics may argue that cutting tariffs first looks like a blink. But that misses the point. The U.S. retains its key fentanyl tariffs. It still holds unmatched consumer leverage. And it now has a formal mechanism to press harder on structural issues—without the chaos of brinkmanship.

This isn’t retreat. It’s repositioning. And it’s smart.

What’s Really Going On?

The deal reflects hard economic realities on both sides. The U.S. economy needed relief from inflationary pressures. China, facing a slowdown and rising global isolation, needed access to markets. This agreement is mutual self-interest, not weakness.

More importantly, it acknowledges that full-scale decoupling isn’t in either nation’s interest. Strategic competition will continue. But this deal shows that diplomacy and pressure can coexist—that the U.S. can drive a hard bargain without burning bridges.

The Clock Is Ticking

The 90-day window is short. If follow-through falters, tariffs could return. But the establishment of a standing consultation mechanism increases the odds of sustained engagement. It’s a small but significant institutional foothold.

And while the broader trend of strategic decoupling hasn’t ended, this deal carves out space to manage it—smartly, and without economic self-harm.

Final Word

The U.S.-China deal of May 2025 is a clear win—not just for markets, but for the administration’s trade strategy. It eases pressure on consumers, reassures investors, and proves that tough tactics can lead to meaningful engagement.

It’s not a final chapter. But it’s a well-played move in a long game. And for now, the United States is writing the next page on its own terms.