Trump and Xi to Discuss Trade Tariffs at APEC Summit

Key Points:* Trump and Xi meeting at APEC to discuss tariffs and trade.

• Tariffs on Chinese goods deemed unsustainable.
• Financial markets may see increased volatility. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet during the APEC Summit in South Korea on October 31-November 1, 2025, to address trade tariffs.

The meeting could impact global trade dynamics, potentially influencing cryptocurrency markets and equities amid high-stakes discussions on tariffs and US-China relations.

US-China Relations and Tariff Impacts

The proposed summit meeting follows escalating tensions over US tariffs on Chinese goods. President Trump has maintained a 55% tariff rate, which he now considers unsustainable. The commitment to discussions at the APEC Summit demonstrates a potential thaw in US-China relations.

Immediate adjustments in trade policies are anticipated given the urgency expressed by both presidents. Economic analysts suggest any relaxation of tariffs could boost cross-border investments and multinational corporate earnings.

Market reactions to this announcement have been cautious. Analysts note that past US-China negotiations have led to volatility in global equity markets and cryptocurrencies. President Trump affirmed progress on many fronts, emphasizing the significance of upcoming talks. “We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal,” said Trump. “I also agreed with President Xi that we would meet at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in South Korea, that I would go to China in the early part of next year, and that President Xi would, likewise, come to the United States at an appropriate time.”

Market Reactions to APEC Summit Announcement

Did you know? In previous US-China trade talks, cryptocurrency markets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced sharp fluctuations, highlighting the global reach of tariff negotiations.

Bitcoin (BTC) is experiencing notable price fluctuations with a 24-hour trading volume of $109.39 billion, marking a 49.62% increase. Currently priced at $106,102.79, BTC reflects a 24-hour decrease of 4.72%, according to CoinMarketCap, as of October 17, 2025. Its market cap stands at $2.115 trillion.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 11:25 UTC on October 17, 2025. Source: CoinMarketCap Insights from the Coincu research team suggest potential shifts in cryptocurrency volatility depending on the summit’s outcomes. Historically, tariff negotiations between major economies have influenced Bitcoin and other digital assets, possibly prompting renewed investor interest in risk-hedging assets.