The United States may soon lower tariffs on Chinese goods. President Donald Trump has said that current import taxes, which go up to 145%, are likely to drop. He made this comment during a public event on May 8. The reason? A major trade meeting with China is coming up, and there are signs both sides want to cool tensions.
Trump stated, “You can’t get any higher… we know it’s coming down.” These high tariffs were put in place after Trump returned to office. They were meant to push China to make trade changes. But now, with talks starting soon, the tone has changed.
US and UK Reach Tariff Deal First
Trump made his remarks while celebrating a new trade deal with the United Kingdom. This deal lowers duties on some UK goods, such as cars and metal. It also removes some taxes on steel and aluminum.
This is the first big deal signed since Trump announced higher tariffs in April. That announcement put many countries on alert. They were given 90 days to strike their own deals with the US before new taxes kicked in. The UK acted fast and secured a deal.
Other countries are now rushing to do the same. These include Canada, Japan, Germany, and Mexico. Each is trying to avoid the heavy duties that could hurt their exports.
US and China to Meet in Switzerland
The most important talks, however, will be with China. The two sides will meet in Switzerland next week. These talks are expected to set the tone for trade policy between the world’s two biggest economies.
President Trump called the upcoming meeting “friendly.” He said he expects an “elegant” discussion. China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Hua Chunying, echoed this mood. She said China has “full confidence” in the talks and wants to keep trade relations steady.
Trade Experts Say Talks May Take Time
Still, experts warn that these talks won’t be easy. Dan Wang, an analyst at Eurasia Group, said both countries are under pressure. China’s economy is slowing, and the US is facing rising prices. Both sides need a deal, but reaching one will take time.
Former US trade official Stephen Olson agreed. He said some small changes might come soon, like cutting a few tariffs. But deeper problems remain. He said, “The core issues haven’t changed. Don’t expect a fast solution.”
Top Officials to Lead Talks
The talks will be led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Both are seen as close to their presidents. But experts believe real progress will require direct talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trade expert Eswar Prasad said that even if some tariffs are lowered, most barriers will stay. “The best result we can hope for,” he said, “is a small step back from the edge.”
Trade Numbers Show Pressure on China
April’s trade data adds more pressure. China’s exports to the US dropped 20% compared to last year. That’s a big fall. But overall, China’s exports to the rest of the world rose 8.1%. This shows China is finding new markets, but the loss of US sales still hurts.
The US, on the other hand, is seeing some supply chain issues. Many American businesses rely on Chinese goods. Higher tariffs have pushed up costs, and consumers are feeling the pain.
Why the Talks Matter for the World
These talks could shape global trade for years. Other nations are watching closely. A deal between the US and China could lower the risk of a trade war. It could also help global markets stabilize.
That’s why the UK deal was so important. It set a model for how countries can work with the US. Now, the question is whether China can follow that path.
If they do, it could mark a shift away from the tariff fights of the past. If not, tensions may rise again.
Signs of Hope, But Challenges Remain
For now, both sides are talking. That’s better than trading threats. But the road ahead is long. The high tariffs may come down, but the trust between the two nations needs to be rebuilt.
As President Trump said, “You can’t get any higher.” Maybe it’s time to go lower—not just on tariffs, but on conflict.