US–China Tariff Truce: What It Means for Investors Right Now

Global markets breathed a sigh of relief this week as the US and China agreed to extend their tariff truce by another 90 days. That means no sudden escalation in tariffs and the US will keep its duties on Chinese goods at 30%, while China maintains its 10% rate on American imports. For traders, it’s a short-term reprieve that takes some uncertainty off the table and keeps the world’s two largest economies talking instead of taxing.

Markets reacted quickly. Across Asia, indices moved higher, with Japan’s Nikkei hitting new records. In the US, sentiment improved in sectors that had been bracing for trade disruptions, especially in technology and manufacturing. For investors using Rakuten Trade to access US markets, this development opens the door to some interesting opportunities.

Why this matters

Trade tensions between the US and China over the past few years have weighed heavily on supply chains, corporate profits, and investor confidence. When tariffs climb, the cost of doing business across borders rises, and companies either pass on the costs to consumers or absorb them in their margins. A pause in escalation doesn’t solve all the friction, but it does give multinational businesses breathing room to plan, ship, and invest without sudden changes to their cost base.

For sectors tied to cross-border manufacturing, especially technology, this stability can mean smoother order flows, steadier revenues, and stronger forward guidance.

Sectors and US stocks to watch on Rakuten Trade

Technology and Semiconductors

Few sectors feel the weight of US–China trade relations like semiconductors. Many chipmakers rely on China as both a manufacturing partner and a major customer. The truce means fewer disruptions to supply chains and less risk of retaliatory restrictions in the near term.

• NVIDIA (NVDA)

Already a market leader in AI and data centre chips, NVIDIA benefits from any easing in export-related tensions. Recently, arrangements have been made that allow sales of certain AI chips to China through revenue-sharing agreements rather than outright bans. With AI adoption surging globally, stability in this trade relationship can help NVIDIA keep shipping to one of its biggest markets without fear of a sudden stop.

• Micron Technology (MU)

A key supplier of memory and storage solutions, Micron has faced headwinds from trade restrictions in the past. Reduced tariff tensions improve visibility for future orders, especially from electronics makers that operate assembly lines in China. Strong demand for data storage in AI servers and mobile devices keeps Micron firmly in the watchlist category.

• Apple (AAPL)

 The tariff pause supports Apple’s global supply chain and sales footprint. The stock moved up roughly 8% in the wake of the news, fueled by its advantage from U.S.-based manufacturing initiatives and its ability to absorb or offset tariff-related risks.

• Intel (INTC)

With calmer trade winds and more favorable inflation data, Intel’s stock climbed around 5.6%, reflecting renewed investor confidence, especially in its U.S. manufacturing strategy and advancement in chipmaking technology.

• AMD (AMD)

AMD, like NVIDIA, now operates under a revenue-sharing agreement that enables the sale of advanced chips to China. This provides relief from strict export restrictions and positions the company to regain market share in global AI and high-performance segments.

US Trade Truce Watchlist

Performance data reflects approximate one-month movements as of mid-August 2025 and is provided for informational purposes only. Stock prices are subject to market fluctuations and may change without notice. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making trading decisions.

How to position your trades

If you’re trading US stocks on Rakuten Trade, consider adding these names to your watchlist and tracking them closely in the coming weeks. Positive headlines on trade could continue to support valuations, but volatility will remain, especially as the 90-day clock ticks down toward the next round of negotiations. Building positions in phases, rather than going all-in at once, can help manage entry risk.

Your edge with Rakuten Trade

Rakuten Trade gives you direct access to US markets at one of the lowest brokerage rates in Malaysia. You can trade leaders like NVIDIA, Micron, Apple, Intel and AMD from your Rakuten Trade account. That means when global events like this tariff truce open up opportunities, you can act quickly without juggling multiple platforms.

Why Raku-Invest Could Be the Smarter Way to Build These Positions

If you believe in the long-term potential of these companies but want to avoid the stress of timing the market, Raku-Invest can help. Through its Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) feature, you can schedule recurring buys into US stocks from as little as RM100 per trade. By investing the same amount at regular intervals, you automatically buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, smoothing out your cost over time. This strategy can be particularly effective for volatile sectors like technology and commodities, letting you steadily build exposure to high-quality names without making one big, risky purchase. And because it’s all on Rakuten Trade, you enjoy the same low fees and seamless execution you’d get from any other trade.

Raku-Invest, our automated U.S. stock investment feature designed for those who want to build wealth gradually with minimal effort. 

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