Xi heads to Trump summit with China’s export engine still running strong

President Xi Jinping is set to attend a summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington on September 24, aiming to extend their ongoing trade truce. Despite China's global trade surplus potentially surpassing $1 trillion for the second consecutive year, expectations of major concessions remain tempered. The leaders will likely focus on signaling an extension of the trade truce, with analysts suggesting China seeks time to strengthen itself.

White House officials downplay the chances of significant breakthroughs, while preparatory talks on topics like AI safeguards and trade in non-sensitive products have already taken place. China continues to grapple with weak domestic demand and property issues, yet its exports have remained robust, with over half of its products sold to the US showing growth in 2025.

The summit will also likely address Taiwan, a sensitive issue involving US allies in Asia. China's willingness to make commitments on purchases of US goods, such as Boeing aircraft and agricultural products, remains uncertain.