China: US Reaching out for Tariff Talks

By Staff, Agencies

United States officials claimed to have initiated contact with their Chinese counterparts to discuss steep tariffs that have disrupted global markets and supply chains.

Since April, the US has imposed punitive tariffs of up to 145% on a wide range of Chinese products. In response, Beijing introduced new tariffs reaching 125% on goods imported from the United States. These measures have intensified the ongoing trade war and caused ripples across international manufacturing sectors.

Beijing has strongly rejected claims that any talks are taking place, but remained open to talks with the United States to engage in dialogue in a "fair, respectful and reciprocal" manner.

On Thursday, Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese platform affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV, reported that Washington is "proactively" engaging with Beijing through "multiple channels" to initiate dialogue on tariffs.

"From a negotiation standpoint, the US is currently the more anxious party," the outlet stated on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. "The Trump administration is facing multiple pressures," it added.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Beijing reached out to begin tariff talks, similar to his past repeated assertions of "direct" negotiations with Iran, which Tehran has consistently said were "indirect".

During a NewsNation town hall on Wednesday, Trump said there was a "very good chance we're going to make a deal," "But we're going to make it on our terms, and it's got to be fair."

According to Bloomberg, Cargo shipments from China to the US have plummeted by as much as 60% since the tariff increase in early April, leading to widespread disruptions in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. Industries heavily reliant on cross-border manufacturing, such as automotive and electronics, have reported increased production costs and delays.

Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis have withdrawn their financial guidance for the year, citing the unpredictable impact of the tariffs on their operations.

Ferrari, the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, announced last month that it would increase prices by 10% following the United States’ decision to impose a 25% tariff on all car imports starting April 2.