As the US-China trade conflict escalates with record-high tariffs, US President Donald Trump has acknowledged ongoing talks with Chinese officials, stating Beijing has ”reached out a number of times” following the latest escalation in duties. While speaking at the Oval Office during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit, Trump stated, ”I have a very good relationship with President Xi, and I think it’s going to continue. And I would say they have reached out a number of times,” Trump said. ”Yeah we’re talking to China,” Trump added as quoted by AFP. This comes in the wake of his administration implementing a 145% tariff on Chinese goods as a part of his broader ”Liberation Day” global trade policy. These tariffs by the US have been countered by Beijing with its own retaliatory tariffs.
Did Trump-Xi talks take place?
Despite the increasing economic stakes, Trump was asked if he had personally spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping. ”I have never said whether or not they’ve happened,” he replied, refusing direct confirmation. When pressed again on whether Xi has contacted him, Trump answered, ”You’d think it was pretty obvious that he has, but we will talk about that soon,” as quoted by AFP.
Trump has often underlined the potential for a favourable outcome in the long-running trade dispute, stating, ”I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China.” However, no specifics on leadership engagement have left markets and foreign policy analysts guessing on the seriousness of the negotiations.
Trump administration eases port fees on China built ships
Meanwhile, after receiving strong industry opposition, the Trump administration has scaled back its plan to implement steep port fees on China-built vessels, as per a Reuters report. According to a newly issued notice by the US Trade Representative, published by the Federal Register, highlights exemptions for domestic exporters and vessels operating in US territories, the Caribbean, and the Great Lakes.
The original proposal from February had directed to charge up to $1.5 million per port visit. The announcement had raised concerns across the global shipping sector. As per the report, experts warned that the measures may impact almost all the carriers, will raise US export prices, and burden American consumers with billions. Under the new plan, the fee will now be limited to a single charge per voyage and capped at six times annually per vessel.
(With inputs from Reuters)