Xi Jinping Heads to Trump Summit as China’s Trade Remains Strong

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump meet during their previous summit in Beijing in May 2026. ( Photo credit: Dan Scavino/Wikimedia commons

 BEIJING/WASHINGTON, September 21, 2026 — Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this week as China’s trade with the rest of the world continues to expand, giving Beijing a strong economic position ahead of the talks.

Xi is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on September 24. The summit is expected to focus heavily on the future of the U.S.-China trade relationship and whether the two sides can extend a trade truce that is due to expire in November.

China’s trade remains resilient

China has faced weaker domestic demand and a prolonged property-sector downturn, but its export sector has continued to perform strongly.

According to Reuters, China’s global trade surplus is on course to exceed $1 trillion for a second consecutive year. More than half of roughly 6,500 product categories that China has sold to the United States so far this year have recorded growth compared with 2025.

The strength of China’s exports comes despite efforts by Washington to reduce China’s access to the U.S. market and diversify supply chains.

Trade truce at the centre of summit

One of the main questions for Trump and Xi will be whether the existing trade arrangement can be extended.

The current truce followed the sharp escalation in tariffs between the world’s two largest economies. The agreement helped prevent another major round of tariff increases and is scheduled to expire on November 10.

U.S. and Chinese officials have already been holding preparatory discussions on trade, artificial intelligence and critical minerals ahead of the leaders’ meeting.

Rare earths, agriculture and technology

Critical minerals and rare-earth materials are expected to remain important issues. Washington wants greater reliability in China’s supply of minerals and rare-earth magnets used in high-tech industries, while Beijing has been seeking changes to U.S. technology restrictions.

Agricultural purchases could also feature in negotiations. China has previously pledged to increase purchases of U.S. agricultural products, while Washington is interested in potential deals involving American farm exports and Boeing aircraft.

Artificial intelligence is another potential area of discussion, although the two countries remain major competitors in advanced technology.

Taiwan and Iran also on the agenda

Trade is expected to dominate the summit, but Taiwan could also be discussed. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan remain a sensitive issue in relations between Washington and Beijing.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss the conflict involving Iran. Washington has sought greater Chinese pressure on Tehran, while Beijing has shown limited willingness to take such action, according to Reuters’ reporting.

Important Fact

Xi Jinping has not yet met Donald Trump for the September 24 summit. The meeting is scheduled for September 24 in Washington. The key issues expected to feature include trade, tariffs, critical minerals, technology, Taiwan and Iran