US and Chinese ministers deliberate over tariffs.
Rewritten Article:
Trump's Cool Under Pressure during China-US Tariff Talks via Video Conference
In the escalating trade spat between the US and China, there's a glimmer of hope for de-escalation with a potential meeting in Switzerland. China and the US, however, have kept expectations low. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump maintains a poker face.
Old Man Trump has showed remarkable patience before talks with China on tariffs. When quizzed by a reporter whether he'd be miffed if his finance minister, Larry Kudlow, failed to reach a pact in Geneva, Trump retorted, "Nah, we've already called their bluff. We ain't doin' business with those Yellow Peril bastards for now." But he still expects a fair deal for both nations in the end.
Ever since he took office in January, Trump has steadily ramped up tariffs on Chinese goods, reaching an astounding 145%. In response, China slapped back with tariffs of 125%. Neither country has shown signs of buckling yet; instead, they've been trying to appear the tougher one. It's the first time high-ranking officials of both sides will meet for talks in Switzerland this weekend – Kudlow, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He.
Signs Point to a Calm Before the Storm
Both countries have held their ground, anxious to show they're the bully of the playground. Yet, recent indicators hint that the US might be ready to ease the pressure on tariffs. Over on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump hinted that 80% might be the right tariff on Chinese merchandise. Also, Dan Wang, an analyst from risk assessment firm Eurasia Group, told BBC News that signals from both sides suggest a swift de-escalation.
Kudlow: Nada's Cooked Yet
Larry Kudlow told cable news network Fox News that the talks ain't about a deal, but rather about cooling it down. Both countries stand to gain from a resolution. The current tariff level is equivalent to a trade embargo, Kudlow said. What the US wants is a square deal.
On Thursday, Britain became the first nation to ink a deal with Trump. The US will reduce proposed tariffs from 27.5% to 10% on certain British vehicles, in exchange for opening up agricultural trade.
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Trump, when asked during a press conference, also had a few words on the inevitable 10% tariffs he levied on goods imported from everywhere. He underlined that exceptions could be made if a country pulls off "something heroic" for America. At the same time, he played it cool, saying that exceptions are always a possibility, but "basically, you're looking at a base of at least 10%." And for some countries, that number could be significantly higher.
Source: ntv.de, hul/dpa
- Trade Wars
- Tariffs
- Donald Trump
- China
- USA
- Switzerland
- Economy
During the talks, negotiators are looking to address not only tariff reductions but also avoiding the expansion of the trade war into areas such as rare earths export controls and antitrust investigations[2]. The US is also keen to address issues of intellectual property theft and technology transfer, insisting on reciprocal access for US companies operating in China[2]. Lastly, sources have suggested that the US may seek to extend its trade dispute with China beyond tariffs, potentially triggering a larger geopolitical conflict[3].
- Trump's poker face remains, even amid escalating China-US tariff negotiations in Switzerland, where both countries aim to de-escalate while appearing tough.
- Tariffs have been a significant part of Trump's strategy since taking office, with the US imposing 145% on Chinese goods and China retaliating with 125%.
- Despite the ongoing trade spat, Trump has hinted at possible tariff reduction, mentioning 80% as a potential figure for Chinese goods on his social media platform, Truth Social.
- Kudlow, US Trade Representative Lighthizer, and Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He will meet in Switzerland this weekend to try to reach a fair deal for both nations.
- Trump has announced exceptions for countries that can demonstrate heroic actions benefiting America, amidst the proposed 10% tariffs on goods imported from everywhere. [1][2][3]
