Sun May 11 21:07:04 UTC 2025: ## US and China Make Progress in Trade Talks, Awaiting Details

**Geneva, Switzerland –** The United States and China announced progress in trade talks aimed at easing tensions sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Following two days of discussions in Geneva, both sides declared substantial progress, although details remain scarce. A joint communiqué is expected on Monday.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the talks as “productive,” while China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng characterized the atmosphere as “candid, in-depth and constructive.” A new joint mechanism for regular communication on trade issues was also agreed upon.

The talks mark the first high-level face-to-face meeting between the two economic giants since Trump imposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. Current tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese goods total 145%, with some reaching 245%, while China has levied 125% tariffs on US goods.

While President Trump hinted at potentially lowering tariffs on social media, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that any reduction would depend on reciprocal concessions from China.

WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the progress, emphasizing its importance for global economic stability. Experts expressed cautious optimism, noting the length of the discussions (over 15 hours) as a positive sign. However, concerns remain about the specifics of any agreement and the potential for a full return to normal trade relations. The unexpected rise in Chinese exports last month, attributed to trade rerouting to Southeast Asia, provided a backdrop to the negotiations. The Geneva meeting follows a recently signed trade agreement between the US and Britain.

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