US-China Agree on Temporary Tariff Reductions Amid Trade Talks

May 12, 2025

168653451 US 3The United States and China have agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on each other’s goods during ongoing negotiations in Geneva. According to a Mint report, China has proposed slashing duties on US products from a staggering 145% to just 10% for a period of 90 days, while the US plans to lower tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from the same elevated baseline.

The agreement, formalised in a joint statement issued in Geneva, is being viewed as the first major step towards stabilising trade relations between the world’s two largest economies. As reported by Mint, the move follows President Donald Trump’s 2 April declaration of reciprocal tariffs targeting global trade partners, with China bearing the brunt of the increases.

The latest discussions were the first face-to-face meetings between senior US and Chinese economic officials since President Trump began his second term in office. Both sides agreed to a 90-day window of reduced tariffs to allow for further negotiation and the potential formation of a longer-term trade framework.

“We had a very robust and productive discussion on steps forward on fentanyl,” said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, adding that both nations agreed that “neither side wants to decouple.” The talks also touched upon broader economic cooperation, with both parties committing to continued dialogue. The joint statement outlined plans to establish a formal mechanism for ongoing trade and economic engagement.

As Mint highlighted, this détente is particularly significant given the aggressive tariff escalations of recent months. China’s previous retaliatory tariffs had reached more than 125%, in response to Washington’s protectionist stance. The proposed reductions now offer some breathing space for exporters on both sides, potentially averting further escalation and disruption to global supply chains.

You May Also Like

Facebook Feeds

Cover for Heera Zhaveraat
94,039
Heera Zhaveraat

Heera Zhaveraat

Offical Facebook account of heerazhaveraat.com, homepage for Trade News, Articles and Promotion of D

This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts.
Click to show error
Error: No posts available for this Facebook ID

Twitter Feeds

Discover JGTD 2026 in Dubai! 💎

Connect with global jewellery manufacturers, suppliers and buyers. Explore finished jewellery, gemstones, machinery and the latest industry technologies.

📅 27–29 October 2026 📍 Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)

Join the Mindspeak Seminars at GJS 2026 for valuable insights and conversations shaping today’s jewellery business.

📍 JWCC, BKC | Room 104, 1st Floor
📅 2–4 October 2026
Make Mindspeak part of your GJS journey.

✨ ONLY 6 DAYS TO GO! ✨

DJGF 2026 is almost here! 💎
750+ Exhibitors | 2,00,000+ Designs | 5 Halls
📅 26–28 Sept 2026
📍 Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Discover collections, connect with industry leaders & unlock new opportunities.
🔗 Register Now: https://djgfregistration.jewelleryfair.in/exhibitor_reference_registration/?ref=marketing

Where elegance meets the spirit of Hong Kong.
Discover Sheetal (Far East) Ltd.’s exquisite jewellery at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong 2026.
📍 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
📅 16–20 September 2026
🏛️ Hall 1 | Booth 1C722
We look forward to welcoming you at our booth!

Load More

HZ is the Official Supporter of :

Member Of

Founder Member Of