Trump Hints at Lower China Tariffs Ahead ofTrade Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that the sky-high tariffs imposed on Chinese imports may soon be reduced, as top trade officials from Washington and Beijing prepare to meet this weekend in Switzerland.
The meeting represents the most serious step toward easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies since Trump’s return to the White House.
“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” Trump said, referencing the up to 145% tariffs recently imposed on Chinese goods.
Optimism Tempered by Long-Term Challenges
Trump made the comments during the unveiling of a new tariffs deal with the UK, the first such agreement since his administration reimposed global import levies in April. Speaking about the upcoming China talks, Trump described the tone as “very friendly,” adding, “They look forward to doing it in an elegant way.”
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying echoed a similarly confident sentiment, stating Beijing has “full confidence” in managing trade relations with the U.S.
Despite optimism on both sides, analysts say any progress will be gradual. Dan Wang of Eurasia Group noted that both governments are feeling economic pressure, but only “minor” tariff cuts are expected in the near term.
Early-Stage Talks Led by Top Economic Officials
Initial negotiations will be headed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, with expectations that any final agreement will require direct involvement from both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Former U.S. trade negotiator Stephen Olson emphasized that “systemic frictions” between the two nations remain deeply entrenched. “This is likely to be a transactional de-escalation, not a fundamental resolution,” he said.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
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