Trump Seeks ‘Fair Deal’ as He Admits Tariffs Aren’t Working Long-Term

President Donald Trump is heading into talks with China with a clear goal of a “fair deal,” a push that comes as he simultaneously admits his primary tactic—high tariffs—is not a viable long-term strategy.
“It’s not sustainable,” Trump said of the tariffs. He immediately blamed China, claiming “they forced me to do that,” setting up a negotiation where he can trade his “unsustainable” policy for concessions.
The president confirmed he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in two weeks. “I think we’re going to be fine with China,” he said, “but we have to have a fair deal. It’s got to be fair.”
This is a pivot from last week, when he threatened 100% tariffs and mulled canceling the summit. Now, the focus is on the APEC meeting and the looming November 10 expiration of a 90-day trade truce.
Trump continues to defend the tariffs as necessary leverage. “If we didn’t have tariffs, we would be exposed as being a nothing,” he stated.