TikTok Breaks News on Trade Truce

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 12, 2025

Is a TikTok Influencer the first to break the news on a U.S.-China Tariff Truce? How a Pope, a viral video, and a surprise trade breakthrough collided.

While listening to breaking news on TikTok from influencer Dylan Page, I came across two unrelated events that he cleverly connected: Pope Leo XIV’s global peace plea and the surprising U.S.-China trade truce. In his viral video, Page asked with a wink, “Is the Pope Effect real?”—a question delivered with mild humor, but backed by a rapid-fire stream of headlines that made the timing hard to ignore.

The Pope had just called for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and beyond, and within hours, several breakthroughs surfaced—including reduced tariffs between the world’s two largest economies. As more diplomatic progress emerged around the globe, what started as a tongue-in-cheek theory started to feel like an incredible coincidence, or perhaps something more.

More and more, platforms like TikTok are overtaking traditional outlets as the first stop for updates. Dylvan Page, a 24-year-old with over 3 million followers, broke down the events in a fast-paced, stitched video that reached 12 million views within a day—well ahead of mainstream media coverage.

A Trade War Paused

According to a joint statement released Monday, May 12, the U.S. and China agreed to drastically reduce tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days. The deal followed marathon trade negotiations over the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland. Officials from both countries described the outcome as “substantial progress” toward a more stable and balanced economic relationship.

Under the agreement:

The U.S. will cut tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%.
China will drop tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.
Non-tariff countermeasures, such as restrictions on rare earth minerals and blacklists of U.S. firms, will be lifted or suspended.
Both sides agreed to continue talks, with rotating meetings in China, the U.S., or neutral countries.

This surprise breakthrough sent global markets surging. Dow futures rose more than 2%, and the Hang Seng Index closed up 3%. The U.S. dollar strengthened, and gold prices dropped as investor fears eased.

The Pope’s Call and TikTok’s Reach

Just hours before the deal was announced, Pope Leo XIV delivered a moving call for global peace from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He specifically urged ceasefires in Ukraine, Gaza, and the India-Pakistan region. Though he didn’t mention trade, his timing was notable—and influencers like Dylvan Page quickly suggested a link and even asked "Was the Pope popin' or would all of this happened irregardless?"

Was the Pope the actual cause? Not likely. Trade analysts confirm the Geneva talks were planned weeks in advance. Economic pressures, not papal influence, drove the decision. However, the Pope’s call added a moral dimension that amplified public attention.

Conclusion: Speed Meets Symbolism

This moment reveals more than just a diplomatic turning point—it shows how fast and powerfully information spreads through social media. The U.S.-China tariff truce was real, significant, and months in the making. The Pope’s speech gave it spiritual framing. But it was TikTok that made it go viral.

For better or worse, people now learn about global policy shifts through 30-second videos. And that may be the most profound shift of all.

#US China Trade #Tariff Truce #TikTok News #Global Markets #Digital Diplomacy #Trade War Paused #WBN News Global #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788