Finance

Draft Trump trade memo targets US trade deficit, China purchases of US exports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 20, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 27, 2026

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Draft memo on US trade deficit and China export purchases - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image depicts the draft trade memo from the Trump administration focusing on the US trade deficit and China's commitment to purchasing US exports. It highlights key elements of trade agreements and economic policy.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is ordering federal agencies to "investigate and remedy" persistent U.S. trade deficits, and address other countries' unfair trade practices and

Trump's New Trade Memo Aims to Tackle US Trade Deficit and China Deals

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is ordering federal agencies to "investigate and remedy" persistent U.S. trade deficits, and address other countries' unfair trade practices and currency manipulation, according to a draft White House trade memo seen by Reuters that stops short of ordering immediate new tariffs.

The memo, expected to be signed shortly, also directs federal agencies to assess China's performance under the "Phase 1" trade deal he signed with Beijing in 2020 to end a nearly two-year tariff war. The deal required China to increase purchases of U.S. exports by $200 billion over two years, but Beijing failed to meet the targets as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

"China's adherence to this agreement will now be assessed, to determine whether enforcement or changes are required," the memo reads.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and David Lawder; Writing by David Lawder; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Key Takeaways

  • Trump orders investigation into US trade deficits.
  • Focus on unfair trade practices and currency manipulation.
  • Assessment of China's compliance with Phase 1 trade deal.
  • China's purchase targets unmet due to COVID-19.
  • Potential enforcement or changes to trade agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Trump's trade memo?
The memo orders federal agencies to investigate and remedy persistent U.S. trade deficits and address unfair trade practices by other countries.
What does the memo say about China's trade deal?
The memo directs federal agencies to assess China's performance under the 'Phase 1' trade deal signed in 2020 to determine if enforcement or changes are needed.
When was the 'Phase 1' trade deal signed?
The 'Phase 1' trade deal between the U.S. and China was signed in 2020 to end a nearly two-year tariff war.

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