Photograph: Kyle Grillot/BloombergDenis Staunton's guide to understanding world events - what’s happening, why it matters and how it affects youThe supreme court ruling on Donald Trump’s tariffs has weakened his hand in negotiations with China. Trump loses his best leverLast Friday’s supreme court ruling striking down some of Trump’s tariffs came just after the White House confirmed the president would visit China from March 31st to April 2nd. The ruling removes Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on countries that buy oil from Russia or trade with Iran. Trump wants China to buy more American agricultural products and to place a big order for Boeing aircraft, while guaranteeing the supply to US industry of rare earth minerals required for advanced manufacturing. Xi wants access to more advanced semiconductors, the removal of restrictions on Chinese companies operating in the US and a reduction of American support for Taiwan.

Source: The Irish Times February 23, 2026 06:38 UTC