Trump Admits High Tariffs ‘Not Sustainable’ Ahead of Xi Showdown

US President Donald Trump has conceded that the heavy tariffs imposed on China are “not sustainable” in the long run, a significant admission ahead of a high-stakes meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
In a recent interview, Trump was candid about the tariff situation, stating, “It’s not sustainable.” He quickly added that the measures were not his first choice, claiming, “But that’s what the number is… they forced me to do that.” This frames the trade war as a reactive measure forced upon his administration.
Despite the economic strain, a diplomatic path forward is scheduled. Trump confirmed he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in approximately two weeks. He expressed cautious optimism about the outcome, noting, “I think things will be fine with China.”
This crucial meeting is set against a ticking clock. A 90-day truce, which had put a hold on duties reaching as high as 145%, is set to expire on November 10. The pressure is on for both leaders to find a breakthrough before that deadline.
The president’s ultimate goal remains a “fair deal.” He defended the aggressive tariff strategy as necessary leverage, despite its unsustainability. “If we didn’t have tariffs, we would be exposed as being a nothing,” he stated, underlining his justification for the trade conflict.