Trump on Trade: Seeking to Aid, Not Harm China - An SEO-Optimized Title for Business Insights

President Donald Trump softened his tone toward China on Sunday, saying the US "wants to help China, not hurt it" just days after threatening to slap an additional 100% tariff on the world's second-largest economy. The shift comes as both nations grapple with potential economic fallout from escalating trade tensions.

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that "The United States wants to help China, not hurt it!!!" He added that "respected President Xi [Jinping] doesn't want his country to suffer from a recession, and neither do I."

This marks a notable change from Friday, when Trump announced he would impose the additional tariffs starting November 1st. He said the move was a response to what he called new "extremely strict" Chinese export restrictions on rare earth metals.

The back-and-forth highlights the delicate balance both countries face. Rare earth metals are critical for everything from smartphones to military equipment, and China controls about 80% of global production. Any major disruption to this supply chain could ripple through tech companies and defense contractors worldwide.

For markets, Trump's softer stance might provide some relief. A 100% tariff would effectively double the cost of affected Chinese goods, potentially driving up prices for American consumers and businesses. But his conciliatory tone suggests there's still room for negotiation before the November deadline.

The timing matters too. Both economies are dealing with their own challenges, and a full-blown trade war could make things worse for everyone involved. Trump's acknowledgment that he doesn't want China to face a recession shows he understands the global economic stakes at play.