China Says U.S. Must Drop Tariffs Before Trade Talks
Beijing reiterated its call for the U.S. to drop unilateral tariffs on China, underscoring the deadlock between the world’s largest economies as they prepare for early trade talks.
The U.S. should be ready to drop punitive tariffs imposed on China, Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong said at a regular press briefing Thursday. The U.S. “needs to show sincerity to talk and be ready to correct its mistakes and drop unilateral tariffs,” he said.
China’s reaffirmation came hours after President Donald Trump said he was unwilling to lower current 145% tariffs on most goods to open more substantive negotiations with Beijing on trade.
The two sides outlined strong positions to maximize their negotiating positions ahead of their first round of trade talks later this week in Switzerland. The meeting will bring Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer together with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Before the talks were announced, Trump had said he was willing to lower tariffs on China at some point.
The clash underscored the widening gap between the U.S. and China on trade and the difficult road they face to reach a possible deal on lower tariffs. But the announcement of formal talks has raised optimism that the dispute can be resolved before it causes lasting economic damage.
The U.S. economy contracted at the start of the year for the first time since 2022 on a surge in imports ahead of tariffs and more moderate consumer spending. In China, factory activity slumped to its worst contraction since December 2023, the official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index showed. “In principle, China’s determination to safeguard its rights and interests will remain unchanged,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a separate press briefing on Thursday. “Our position and goal of upholding international fairness and equality will remain unchanged.”
Source: Bloomberg
