Let's Talk Tariffs: US and China Set to Hash Things Out This Week
Negotiations Planned for This Week in Trade Dispute between USA and China - United States and China to hold negotiations this week.
Let's dive into the upcoming tariff negotiations between the US and China. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, joining forces with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, eagerly anticipates " constructive conversations geared towards restoring balance in the global economic scene, fighting for the USA's interests."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the request for these talks, but warns that Beijing will hold fast to its fundamental beliefs, standing up for justice throughout the process. On the Chinese side, Vice Premier He Lifeng, responsible for trade relations with the US, will take part in the discussions.
Ever since late-January of this year, President Trump has been traveling down the hardline trade policy route, imposing extra tariffs on numerous nations. China is under intense scrutiny, with tariffs imposed by Trump against the People's Republic reaching staggering 145%. In response, China has retaliated with tariffs reaching 125%.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce accuses Washington of "bullying" and "blackmail" because of these tariffs, adding that US intentions are often questionable - "talk is cheap, but action says it all." If the US attempts to "intimidate and blackmail China under the guise of negotiations, expect no agreement from China."
Secretary Bessent is looking forward to discussions about a "de-escalation" initially, but a trade agreement isn't on the table just yet. "We need to de-escalate before concentrating on any future plans," he explained to Fox News.
According to economists, the current state of the tariff war between the US and China is far from sustainable. The current tariff rates are the equivalent of an embargo, Bessent explained. However, China is bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Beijing announced additional economic measures this past Wednesday, in response to the ongoing trade war and weakened consumption trends. The central bank will cut a key interest rate and reduce the reserves banks must hold, all in a bid to "promote technological innovations" and "boost consumption."
- USA
- China
- Beijing
- Challenges
- Trade Dispute
- Negotiations
- Tariff War
- Washington
- Scott Bessent
- Trump Policy
- Jamieson Greer
- Economic Impact
Enrichment Data Highlight:
Recent developments haven't provided concrete updates about the current status of the U.S.-China tariff dispute negotiations. In fact, the U.S. has continually increased tariffs on Chinese goods - including significant moves in April 8, 2025, with President Trump signing an executive order, raising duties on imports that formerly qualified for exemptions. Since May 2, 2025, tariffs on goods sent through international postal networks have seen a dramatic increase too[1].
As of yet, there's no clear evidence of progress or outcomes specific to the upcoming negotiations. Given the recent trend of hiking tariffs instead of easing them, it's possible that the negotiations may result in a continued tit-for-tat or delays in tariff relief, as has occurred with other countries like Canada and Mexico, whose tariff adjustments have been postponed to mid-2025[1]. In summary, the current situation indicates ongoing tariff disputes, with no clear indication of an imminent resolution or détente between the U.S. and China around this week's negotiation schedule. Instead, we might see either a continuation of reciprocal tariff measures or incremental adjustments delayed until the summer months.
- The upcoming tariff negotiations between the US and China are set to take place this week, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer leading the discussions.
- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the request for these talks, but has warned that Beijing will hold fast to its fundamental beliefs, standing up for justice throughout the process.
- The tariff war between the US and China has been ongoing, with both countries imposing significant tariffs on each other's goods. The current state of the tariff war is far from sustainable, according to economists.
- In response to the ongoing trade dispute, Beijing announced additional economic measures this past Wednesday, including cutting a key interest rate and reducing reserves banks must hold, all in a bid to promote technological innovations and boost consumption.
- The US and China continue to face challenges in their trade dispute, with both wanting to negotiate and find a resolution, but still this week, a trade agreement isn't on the table just yet. Secretary Bessent is looking forward to discussions about a "de-escalation" initially.
- President Trump's trade policy, which includes imposing extra tariffs on numerous nations, has been particularly significant in the US-China trade dispute, with China under intense scrutiny, with tariffs imposed by Trump against the People's Republic reaching staggering 145%.
