Trump again criticizes China in tweet
U.S.-China Trade Dispute: Mutual Tariff Reductions and Violation Allegations
In a recent development, the U.S. and China have reached an agreement to temporarily reduce their mutual tariffs, following a period of escalating trade tensions. This agreement, signed on May 12, 2025, has seen a significant decrease in tariffs imposed on both nations' goods.
According to the agreement, the U.S. reduced tariffs on certain Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China reduced tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. Furthermore, China agreed to modify its additional tariffs on U.S. products by suspending 24 percentage points of the duty for 90 days, retaining a 10% duty, and removing modified tariffs imposed in earlier announcements.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump has leveled accusations against the Chinese government, alleging a violation of the agreement. Trump, posting on his online service Truth Social on Friday, stated, "Perhaps not surprisingly to some, China has completely violated the agreement with us." He did not specify the nature of the alleged violation.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer made similar claims on the CNBC network, stating that Beijing "is slowing and throttling things like key minerals." Greer also noted that the U.S.'s trade deficit with China remains "massive."
Prior to this agreement, trade talks between the two nations had been "a bit stuck," according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent also suggested that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping might need to personally address the matter.
The imposition of high tariffs by both nations began in April, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on imports from China and other countries. This move prompted counter-tariffs from China. As a result, 145% tariffs were due on many deliveries from China to the U.S., with China imposing 125% tariffs in most cases. However, in mid-May, Beijing and Washington agreed to significantly reduce mutual tariffs for an initial 90 days.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to implement a ban on approximately 500,000 migrants, while a U.S. appeals court has lifted a stay on Trump's tariff plans. These developments further underscore the ongoing complexities in the U.S.-China trade relationship.
In the coming weeks, key officials from both countries, including He Lifeng for China and Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer for the U.S., are expected to lead discussions on economic and trade relations. The aim is to establish a mechanism for ongoing dialogue and potential resolution of lingering issues. Despite these positive steps, concerns remain about the long-term economic resilience and geopolitical tensions in the U.S.-China relationship.
In light of the ongoing U.S.-China Trade Dispute, the policy-and-legislation aspect of the politics has seen a significant shift with the temporary reduction of mutual tariffs between the nations. The general-news surrounding this issue, however, highlights that U.S. President Donald Trump has accused China of violating this agreement, specifically on Things like key minerals, further escalating the tensions.
