Trump Suggests China Tariffs May Ease Ahead of High-Stakes Trade Talks
President Donald Trump has hinted that the record-high U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods could soon be reduced, just as trade representatives from both nations prepare to meet in Switzerland this weekend.
“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145%, so we know it’s coming down,” Trump said during a White House event announcing a separate tariff deal with the United Kingdom.
These remarks signal a possible thaw in U.S.–China trade tensions, which have rattled global markets since Trump reimposed aggressive tariffs in April. The upcoming discussions mark the most serious attempt yet to ease economic friction between the world’s two largest economies.
Beijing Confident, Washington Cautious
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying said Beijing is “fully confident” in its ability to manage trade ties with the U.S. Meanwhile, political risk expert Dan Wang of Eurasia Group noted that both sides are under economic pressure, making a transactional de-escalation likely.
Yet experts also caution that any progress will be slow. Stephen Olson, a former U.S. trade negotiator, said any immediate tariff cuts would be “minor,” warning that systemic issues between the countries remain unresolved.
High-Level Officials to Lead Talks
Initial talks will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, but observers agree that a meaningful deal will likely require direct involvement from both presidents.
Even if some tariffs are lifted, former IMF official Eswar Prasad emphasized that long-standing trade barriers and regulatory hurdles will persist.
Economic Pressures Mount
Official data released Friday shows that China’s exports to the U.S. plunged over 20% in April, while its total global exports grew by 8.1%. The economic strain is being felt on both sides, especially among businesses directly affected by tariffs.
One such company is Wild Rye, a women’s outdoor apparel brand based in Idaho. CEO Cassie Abel revealed that her company’s shipping costs have ballooned, with one purchase order increasing from $200,000 to $1.2 million in tariffs.
“We’re now considering selling off parts of the business just to stay afloat,” Abel told the BBC.
UK Becomes First to Secure Tariff Deal
Just days before the U.S.–China talks, the UK finalized a trade pact with the Trump administration. The deal lowers tariffs on British-made cars and steel, offering temporary relief for industries hit hardest by Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” policy rolled out in April.
The U.S. has paused many of these global tariffs for 90 days, encouraging countries to negotiate directly. The rush is now on, as other nations seek similar arrangements before the import levies take full effect next month.
