China stated that it is assessing recent U.S. efforts to begin trade discussions, potentially opening the door for negotiations between the two economies. China’s Commerce Ministry reported on Friday that Beijing is reviewing several proposals from the Trump administration regarding trade negotiations. However, officials emphasized that the removal of Washington’s steep tariffs remains a key condition for progress.
The ministry’s statement reaffirmed China’s openness to negotiations while underscoring its readiness to defend its interests if necessary. It also noted that unilateral tariffs of up to 145% continue to be a significant barrier, eroding mutual trust.
Chinese imports to the U.S. are now subject to a steep tariff of 145% following last month’s trade battle between Washington and Beijing. Meanwhile, most U.S. exports to China face a 125% tariff, with only a few exceptions.
Furthermore, the Trump administration is eliminating the duty-free exemption for low-value imports from China starting Friday. As a result, consumers can expect higher costs and potential delivery delays as tariffs will now be applied to every incoming shipment. Recent government data, alongside insights from exporters, importers, and port officials, points to a sharp decline in trade in both countries. This slowdown is contributing to wider economic repercussions.
Trump and his administration assert that China wants to talk and that tariffs will eventually be reduced. U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have hinted at a possible reduction in tensions with China. In a Thursday interview with Fox Business Network, Bessent—who largely supported Trump’s extensive tariff policy stated that current U.S.-China tariff levels are ‘not sustainable on the Chinese side’ and suggested that a trade agreement could be reached between the two nations.
As reported by Reuters, China has granted tariff exemptions for specific U.S. imports, including pharmaceuticals, aerospace equipment, semiconductors, and ethane. Additionally, Beijing is consulting businesses to identify other essential goods that could be imported without additional duties.
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