Trump hopeful for trade deal with China in weekend talks
U.S. President Announces Trade Talks with China, Predicts Reduction in Punitive Tariffs
Teh U.S. President stated that trade negotiations with China will take place this weekend and predicted that the current punitive tariffs of 145% against Beijing will likely be reduced.
According to a report by the international Economics Desk of Webangah News Agency, citing Reuters, Donald Trump, the U.S. President, announced on Thursday that trade talks with China would occur this weekend and suggested that the existing 145% punitive tariffs on Beijing could decrease soon.
Trump’s remarks, made at the White House during the unveiling of details of a new trade agreement between the U.S.and Britain, signal a softening stance between the two economic giants after recent tariff disputes and rhetoric.
Following two months of stalled progress toward reconciliation, both countries announced this week they would send high-ranking officials to Switzerland for weekend negotiations.
After Trump halted reciprocal tariffs against most nations to end his trade war—which had disrupted financial markets and strained U.S. relations with allies and adversaries—his team has been working on multiple trade deals simultaneously. However, he has not lifted tariffs against China, and sharp exchanges between Washington and Beijing over their disagreements have raised concerns about the economic impact of a prolonged trade war between them.
On Thursday, Trump hinted that America might take steps to ease tensions—including lowering these tariffs—and when asked if he would consider reducing tariff rates if talks progressed favorably, he replied: “That could happen.”
Trump said: “It can’t go higher than this; it’s at 145% now—so we know it will come down.” He added: “I think it’ll be a very pleasant meeting; they’re eager to do this in an appropriate way.”
During this weekend’s talks in neutral Switzerland, U.S Treasury Secretary Scott Bassett and top American trade negotiator Jameson Greer will meet with China’s chief economic negotiator He Lifeng. These discussions are seen as an initial step toward resolving a trade conflict disrupting global markets.*
Trump expressed confidence that China strongly desires an agreement while emphasizing his hope for greater openness in its economy: “I think we’ll have a good weekend with China… They have much more to gain than we do.” When asked if he would speak directly afterward with Chinese President Xi Jinping about these negotiations’ outcome? His response was brief but affirmative: “Maybe… yes definitely.”*
