Commerce Ministry: China "assessing" US tariff discussions
China's Commerce Ministry announced on Friday that it is "assessing" the recent overtures from the United States regarding tariff negotiations. Senior US officials have reportedly reached out to Beijing through intermediaries to propose discussions...
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China's Commerce Ministry announced on Friday that it is "assessing" the recent overtures from the United States regarding tariff negotiations. Senior US officials have reportedly reached out to Beijing through intermediaries to propose discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing tariff dispute.
The relationship between the two largest economies has deteriorated recently, following US President Donald Trump imposing 145% tariffs on Chinese imports last month in a broader strategy targeting over 90 trade partners. While most of the new tariffs are temporarily suspended for 90 days—with the exception of those on China—a baseline 10% tariff remains in effect. In retaliation, Beijing implemented 125% tariffs on US goods and introduced export restrictions.
The ministry indicated that while it has noted the US's recent communications and is considering the potential for talks, ongoing unilateral tariffs could erode trust. “The US has recently sent messages to China through relevant parties, hoping to start talks with China. China is currently assessing this,” the ministry stated.
Trump has previously mentioned the possibility that tariffs could "come down substantially" and hinted at the chance for a "fair deal with China." He has also asserted that his administration is "actively" engaging with Beijing and claimed to have had a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Fox News that Beijing was "reaching out" to Washington; however, China has refuted this and accused the US of misleading the public.
In its statement on Friday, the Commerce Ministry underscored that for meaningful dialogue to occur, the US must demonstrate "sincerity" by lifting the tariffs. It emphasized that while China is open to discussions, it will not be coerced: “If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is open."
The ministry also made it clear that negotiations would only proceed in good faith. “Saying one thing and doing another, or even trying to coerce and blackmail under the guise of talks, will not work with China,” the statement read.
Analysts believe that negotiations could commence soon, driven by recent market volatility and the International Monetary Fund's downward revision of global growth forecasts due to trade uncertainty. However, some observers suggest that formal talks may only be announced once the US and China have privately agreed on the conditions of a tariff deal.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The relationship between the two largest economies has deteriorated recently, following US President Donald Trump imposing 145% tariffs on Chinese imports last month in a broader strategy targeting over 90 trade partners. While most of the new tariffs are temporarily suspended for 90 days—with the exception of those on China—a baseline 10% tariff remains in effect. In retaliation, Beijing implemented 125% tariffs on US goods and introduced export restrictions.
The ministry indicated that while it has noted the US's recent communications and is considering the potential for talks, ongoing unilateral tariffs could erode trust. “The US has recently sent messages to China through relevant parties, hoping to start talks with China. China is currently assessing this,” the ministry stated.
Trump has previously mentioned the possibility that tariffs could "come down substantially" and hinted at the chance for a "fair deal with China." He has also asserted that his administration is "actively" engaging with Beijing and claimed to have had a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Fox News that Beijing was "reaching out" to Washington; however, China has refuted this and accused the US of misleading the public.
In its statement on Friday, the Commerce Ministry underscored that for meaningful dialogue to occur, the US must demonstrate "sincerity" by lifting the tariffs. It emphasized that while China is open to discussions, it will not be coerced: “If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is open."
The ministry also made it clear that negotiations would only proceed in good faith. “Saying one thing and doing another, or even trying to coerce and blackmail under the guise of talks, will not work with China,” the statement read.
Analysts believe that negotiations could commence soon, driven by recent market volatility and the International Monetary Fund's downward revision of global growth forecasts due to trade uncertainty. However, some observers suggest that formal talks may only be announced once the US and China have privately agreed on the conditions of a tariff deal.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
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