Big Take Podcast

After US-China Summit, Trade and Tariff Frictions Remain

On today’s Big Take podcast: Did the US-China summit actually reshape the world’s biggest trade relationship?

President Xi Jinping shakes hands with members of the US delegation next to President Donald Trump during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14.Photographer: KENNY HOLSTON/AFP

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By Julia Press and Sarah Holder

May 18, 2026 at 8:43 PM UTC

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Trade was one of the most contentious issues heading into the Beijing summit between Presidents Trump and Xi. But while the summit generated good vibes between the two, it ended with few clear directives, especially regarding trade and tariffs.