China Urges US to Cease Misleading Statements on Tariff Talks

Beijing’s foreign ministry on Friday called upon Washington to halt what it described as “misleading the public” regarding bilateral tariff negotiations. The ministry also stated it lacked awareness of reports suggesting Beijing’s intention to waive tariffs on specific imports from the United States.

“The United States and China are not engaged in consultations or talks on the tariff issue,” Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated during a press briefing.

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that discussions on trade between the two nations were in progress. This statement came after denials of such negotiations from both China’s foreign ministry and commerce ministry.

Guo also conveyed that he was uninformed about the particulars of any prospective tariff exemptions by China on certain U.S. goods.

The contrasting remarks from Beijing and Washington contribute to the uncertainty surrounding when, and if, the world’s two largest economies will commence discussions on the elevated tariffs imposed on each other’s products.

Impact of Tariffs

Successive increases in tariffs and retaliatory actions have elevated U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, while China’s tariffs on U.S. imports have reached 125%. These measures have disrupted operations for numerous businesses on both sides.

The Trump administration had indicated it might consider reducing tariffs on particular imported Chinese products, contingent upon discussions with Beijing. Conversely, China has stated that the U.S. should eliminate all “unilateral” tariffs to resolve the trade dispute, reported Reuters.

On Friday, China’s leading policymakers convened a meeting where they emphasized the necessity of supporting businesses and workers in the face of increasing “external shocks.”

The initial imposition of significant import levies by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 instigated a cycle of retaliatory tariffs. This situation has threatened to impede trade between the world’s two largest economies and has triggered concerns about a deceleration in global economic expansion.

This week, the U.S. adjusted its stance, acknowledging the situation as unsustainable. Furthermore, China is reportedly contemplating exempting certain U.S. imports from its 125% tariffs, marking a significant indication of Beijing’s apprehensions regarding the economic repercussions.

These actions represent the latest indications that the world’s two leading economies are willing to curtail their trade conflict.