Trump Signals Softening on China Tariffs

Amidst steadily escalating tensions, Trump hints tariffs will ease, while China remains cautiously open to talks amid global economic jitters.

Photo by Li Yang on Unsplash

President Trump said Tuesday that tariffs on Chinese goods “will come down substantially, but it won’t be zero,” marking a softer stance after months of escalating tariffs and retaliation. Markets around the world surged on hopes for easing trade tensions. (The Guardian)

Trade War Pressures Both Sides

The White House reportedly plans to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to roughly 50%–65%, possibly using a tiered system where lower tariffs (around 35%) would apply to products not seen as security threats, while goods deemed strategically sensitive could face tariffs of 100% or more. (WSJ)

This approach echoes a 2024 House committee proposal that would phase in tariffs on China over the course of five years. White House spokesperson Kush Desai emphasized that final decisions on tariffs rest solely with President Trump, dismissing speculation on details. (WSJ)

China has imposed retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff measures but remains open to dialogue if the U.S. stops threatening and respects China’s interests. (Newsweek)

Truce Could Ease, But Won’t End, Tensions

President Trump’s softened stance reflects concerns that the tariff war is hurting global growth, with neither side seeing the current state as sustainable.

However, China insists any deal must protect its core interests, and Trump has made clear tariffs won’t disappear entirely. Meanwhile, the U.S. is pursuing trade deals with other countries like India, adding complexity to negotiations with Beijing. (Newsweek)

The U.S.-China trade war is at a critical crossroads

In today’s Pro Brief, we explore:

• Why Treasury Secretary Bessent says the trade war is unsustainable

• China’s firm stance and what it means for negotiations

• How global markets have reacted to tariff news

• The broader geopolitical stakes behind the trade war

🧠 For anyone tracking market volatility, trade diplomacy, or global growth risks, this is a crucial moment.

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