Let's Talk Tariffs: China Eases Up on some US Goods
China Expresses Readiness for Dialogue with Trump Administration Regarding Tariff Reduction, According to Ministry Statement
Gatestone Institute senior fellow Gordon Chang jumps on Fox Report to shed light on China's move to scrap tariffs on certain U.S. products and discuss the broader ramifications of the ongoing trade war with the Trump administration.
China is reportedly considering a proposal from the States to discuss tariffs, as indicated by a statement from the Chinese Commerce Ministry on Friday. This shift in rhetoric may pave the way for the world's economic heavyweights to shake off the trade dispute that's been sending shockwaves through global markets.
According to a Reuters translation, the ministry stated, "The U.S. has recently been trying to communicate its intentions to China through various means. We are examining this." It's important to note that while China seems opened to talks, the ministry also warned that it would not be coerced into accepting a poor deal.
Thursday saw Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent share his opinion on Fox Business' "Mornings with Maria" that China was eager to strike a deal with the U.S. Bessent asserted, "I am optimistic that China will want to reach an agreement. This is a multi-step process. First, we need to de-escalate, and then we can start focusing on a broader trade agreement."
President Donald Trump clashes with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
*TRUMP REPORTedly RECEIVED A CALL FROM XI AMIDst the CONTINUING MIX-UP OVER TRADE TALKS*
Last month, Trump announced sweeping global tariffs, imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports. Beijing retaliated by slapping a 125% tariff on U.S. goods. However, China recently bucked the trend by eliminating tariffs on various American-made goods beyond the initial exemptions for pharmaceuticals, microchips, and aircraft engines[2].
China's change of stance on tariffs contrasts starkly with its accusations during a U.N. Security Council Arria-formula meeting on April 23. At the meeting, China blamed the U.S. for utilizing tariffs to bully the world[4].
China's President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. (Getty Images)
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"Under the guise of reciprocity and fairness, the U.S. is playing a zero-sum game, subverting the existing international economic order through tariffs," stated China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong during the meeting. A State Department spokesperson contested that the gathering was a misuse of U.N. Security Council members' time[4].
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for our website Digital and FOX Business.
Additional Insights:- As of late April 2025, U.S.-China trade negotiations are in a state of flux, with punitive tariffs being a hallmark of the relationship: - U.S. tariffs: A 125% reciprocal tariff remains active, while a universal 10% import tariff took effect in early April, with additional 25% tariffs imposed on automobiles, steel, aluminum and car parts since April 3[1][3]. - China’s retaliation: A 34% additional tariff on all U.S. imports was announced on April 24[1].- Despite a few optimistic signs, no formal negotiations are confirmed, with Trump insisting that any tariff adjustments hinge on future agreements[1][3].- The ongoing tariff conflict risks undermining U.S. leadership in free trade, potentially empowering China's promotion of rules-based trade policies[2].
- The Gatestone Institute's Gordon Chang warned on Fox Report about the broader ramifications of the ongoing trade war between China and the Trump administration, focusing on the economy, finance, business, politics, and general news.
- While China seems open to talks about tariffs, the Chinese Commerce Ministry warned that it would not be coerced into accepting a poor deal, with the economy and politics being at the forefront of negotiations.
- President Donald Trump potentially received a call from Chinese leader Xi Jinping amidst the ongoing mix-up over trade talks, with the tariffs impacting the industry and business on both sides.
- China has bucked the trend by eliminating tariffs on various American-made goods beyond the initial exemptions, but China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong warned that under the guise of reciprocity and fairness, the U.S. is playing a zero-sum game, potentially subverting the existing international economic order through tariffs.
- With the tariffs impacting the economy, industry, and business on both sides, there's a potential for the U.S. to lose its leadership in free trade, empowering China's promotion of rules-based trade policies.
- Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Digital and FOX Business, is currently focusing on updates from both countries regarding the tariff situation and its impact on the economy, politics, and general news.
