Former President Donald Trump pledged on Monday that his first call as president would be to Chinese President Xi Jinping, demanding that China honor a previous agreement to purchase $50 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. Speaking at an event in swing-state Pennsylvania, Trump criticized the current administration for failing to enforce the trade deal and expressed confidence that Xi would comply if he returned to the White House.
During his presidency, Trump secured a “phase one” trade deal with China in early 2020, which included promises from China to increase purchases of U.S. goods, particularly agricultural products. However, a study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics found that China imported less than 60% of the agreed-upon amount, raising questions about the deal’s effectiveness.
At the event, organized by the Protecting America Initiative, Trump also addressed concerns voiced by farmers regarding the challenges they face, including rising prices and market access issues. He reiterated his commitment to imposing substantial tariffs on China, proposing a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and threatening a 100% tariff on cars manufactured in Mexico.
As Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare for the November election, both candidates are positioning China as a central issue in their campaigns. Harris, representing the Biden administration, is expected to continue a strategy of “intensive diplomacy” while tightening restrictions on China, particularly in technology sectors.
In a statement responding to Trump’s claims, Harris’s campaign criticized his previous administration for prioritizing corporate interests over family farmers and leading to significant farm bankruptcies during his trade war with China.
Trump’s event comes as both candidates vie for support in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state. Recent polls indicate a tight race, with Harris currently holding a slight lead. As they campaign, both Trump and Harris are focusing on appealing to blue-collar workers and rural communities concerned about economic stability and rising costs.
