Trump signals climbdown in China Tariff War after ...

Trump signals climbdown in China Tariff War after Beijing stands for respect and fairness

**US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on April 22, 2025 in Washington, DC.**

ZimNow Reporter

US President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential softening of his administration’s trade war with China, saying the steep tariffs on Chinese imports “will come down substantially, but it won’t be zero.”

His comments, made Tuesday at a White House news event, appear to mark a rhetorical retreat after months of aggressive tariff hikes and escalating economic confrontation.

“145% is very high, and it won’t be that high,” Trump said during a press Q&A in the Oval Office. “It won’t be anywhere near that high. It’ll come down substantially. But it won’t be zero.”

Trump’s remarks followed statements by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told investors at a JP Morgan Chase event that current tariff levels had effectively “embargoed” trade between the world’s two largest economies.

He described the conflict as “unsustainable” and predicted a near-term de-escalation, saying the ultimate goal is to “rebalance” trade rather than pursue a full decoupling.

Wall Street responded positively, with all three major US indexes rallying to session highs. Asian markets followed suit on Wednesday, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumping 2.5% and solid gains recorded on Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s Kospi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a global charm offensive, reinforcing trade alliances and countering US efforts to isolate China economically.

China has matched US tariffs with its own, now at 125%; expanded its export control list; and restricted shipments of strategic minerals critical to US tech and defense sectors.

Beijing has also targeted symbolic American industries by limiting the number of Hollywood films permitted in Chinese cinemas and returning at least two Boeing jets ordered by Chinese carriers.

Yet even amid the tit-for-tat, China has continually left the door open for negotiations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese Ambassador to the United States have both emphasized Beijing’s openness to dialogue but stressed that talks must be grounded in mutual respect and fairness.

Beijing recently appointed a new negotiator for potential talks with Washington.

Trump, meanwhile, continues to claim a “very good relationship” with Xi and expressed optimism about future cooperation.

“We’re going to be very nice. They’re going to be very nice,” Trump said. “But ultimately, they have to make a deal, because otherwise they’re not going to be able to deal in the United States.”

However, tensions have also flared outside the trade arena.

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