U.S. President Donald Trump conceded in a recent interview that imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese imports would not be a lasting policy, saying, “It’s not sustainable, but that’s what the number is.”

He asserted that Beijing “forced me to do that,” pointing to China’s tighter export controls—especially on rare earth elements—as justification for the heightened measures.

Despite the softened rhetoric, Trump confirmed he will still meet President Xi Jinping in South Korea in two weeks, signaling an apparent attempt to restore diplomatic footing amid escalating trade conflict.

This move comes against the backdrop of newly announced U.S. export restrictions on critical software starting November 1, intended to counter China’s aggressive control over high-tech supply chains.

Markets responded quickly to Trump’s admission, with equities stabilizing after days of volatility fueled by fear of an all-out trade war.

Many analysts interpret Trump’s reversal as a “yo-yo” tactic—part pressure, part negotiation posture. Whether the 100% tariff threat remains in effect or will be scaled back is likely to depend heavily on outcomes from the Trump–Xi summit.