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The United States and China are back at the negotiating table in an attempt to stop a dangerous trade war that has threatened the economic stability of both countries and caused global concern. One of the highest-level talks since the start of the customs conflict between the two giants is taking place in Geneva this weekend. This is reported by AFP.
The talks are attended by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamison Greer and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. According to media reports, the location of the meeting is being kept strictly secret.
“The president wants to reduce the degree of tension in relations with China. It is about stabilising the situation,” said US Secretary of Commerce Howard Latnick.
Amid the negotiations, Trump for the first time suggested a partial reduction in duties from 145% to 80% on Chinese goods – but this remains a symbolic gesture, as the level remains high. Beijing, in turn, maintains duties of up to 125% on US products.
At the same time, China came to the negotiations with a strong bargaining chip: China’s exports grew by 8.1% in April, significantly exceeding forecasts, although supplies to the US fell by almost 18%.
The WTO leadership called the meeting a “positive and constructive step towards de-escalation”, and the host of the talks, Swiss Minister of Economy Guy Parmelein, said that the very fact of the dialogue was a “success”.
Despite the symbolism, the talks could lay the groundwork for a temporary freeze on duties while bilateral consultations continue, according to leading analysts in Washington.
