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U.S. and China Begin Geneva Talks to Ease Trade War

Senior officials from both nations convene to address record-high tariffs, though expectations for immediate breakthroughs remain low.

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People enjoy their time on a hill overlooking Yantian port in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before a House Financial Services Committee hearing,  in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo

Overview

  • U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with China's Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva on Saturday to discuss de-escalating trade tensions.
  • The talks focus on reducing tariffs that have reached 145% on Chinese imports and 125% on U.S. goods, effectively halting bilateral trade and disrupting global markets.
  • President Trump suggested lowering tariffs to 80% but conditioned reductions on reciprocal actions by China, a move seen as a potential step toward easing the conflict.
  • Analysts and officials anticipate limited progress during the weekend discussions, viewing them as an opportunity to establish a framework for future negotiations rather than achieving a comprehensive agreement.
  • The World Trade Organization welcomed the talks as a constructive step, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue between the world's two largest economies for global economic stability.