Trump signals possible tariff relief as U.S.–China talks loom

As top negotiators from the United States and China prepare to meet, President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of easing tariffs that have strained global markets and rattled businesses worldwide.

President Donald Trump has suggested that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods — currently as high as 145% — could soon be reduced.

“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” Trump remarked during an event where he announced a new trade deal with the United Kingdom — the first of its kind since his administration imposed widespread levies last April.

The upcoming talks, set to take place in Switzerland this weekend, represent the clearest sign yet that Washington and Beijing are prepared to dial down a trade conflict that has sent shockwaves across financial markets.

Optimism on both sides

Describing the mood heading into negotiations, Trump said, “I think it’s a very friendly meeting. They look forward to doing it in an elegant way.” China’s Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying also expressed confidence, stating that Beijing has “full confidence” in its ability to manage trade relations with the U.S.

According to Dan Wang of the Eurasia Group, both governments are facing increasing economic pressure. “The recent signals from both sides suggest a transactional de-escalation is on the table,” she told the BBC.

Analysts warn of a long road ahead

While the announcement of talks was widely seen as a positive step, experts caution against expecting swift solutions. Former U.S. trade negotiator Stephen Olson noted to BBC: “The systemic frictions between the U.S. and China will not be resolved any time soon.” Even if the meeting yields tariff cuts, they are likely to be “minor,” he added.

Initial negotiations will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s economic chief, Vice Premier He Lifeng. Still, Olson stressed, “Everyone recognizes that any final deal will require the active engagement of both presidents.”

Eswar Prasad, former head of the IMF’s China division, echoed this sentiment, saying, “A realistic goal is probably at best a pullback from the sky-high bilateral tariffs, but that would still leave in place high tariff barriers and various other restrictions.”

Trade tensions ripple through global economy

Official data released Friday showed that China’s exports to the U.S. plummeted by over 20% in April compared to a year ago. Yet, overall Chinese exports rose by a stronger-than-expected 8.1%, signaling resilience despite trade tensions.

Meanwhile, the UK recently became the first country to strike a tariffs deal with the Trump administration. As part of the agreement, the U.S. will ease import taxes on British cars and allow certain steel and aluminum products tariff-free entry — offering relief to key UK industries.

U.S. businesses feel the pinch

Back home, American companies are watching developments closely. Wild Rye, an Idaho-based women’s outdoor apparel brand, has been hit hard by the tariffs due to its manufacturing operations in China.

“The cost of shipping goods has jumped significantly,” CEO Cassie Abel told the BBC’s Today program. “We have a purchase order incoming worth around $700,000 in goods, and now we’re facing £1.2 million in levies — up from £200,000.” Abel revealed she is now exploring the sale of parts of her company to raise cash.