China Trade Deal: U.S. and China Suspend Tariffs

Michael Carter

May 12, 2025

China trade deal, In a significant development in global trade relations, China and the United States have agreed to suspend a number of high tariffs that were previously imposed on each other.

This mutual decision is seen as a crucial step toward de-escalating the ongoing trade conflict and preparing for expanded negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.

Following two days of intensive discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, both nations issued a joint statement on Monday, portraying the dialogue as “constructive and forward-looking.” 

The talks were prompted by the protectionist trade stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose nationalist economic policies triggered a wave of escalating tariffs since 2018.

According to Bloomberg, this latest move is expected to ease current tensions and allow both countries a three-month window to resolve their remaining disputes. The suspension of tariffs is expected to serve as a cooling period during which more comprehensive terms might be negotiated.

What the Tariff Reductions Mean

Currently, the United States has imposed tariffs totaling approximately 145% on a wide range of Chinese goods. Under the new agreement, these will be scaled back to 30% by May 14. 

These reductions include duties related to the importation of fentanyl, a key subject of bilateral concern.

Conversely, China will reduce its tariffs on American imports from 125% down to 10%. These changes are expected to stimulate cross-border trade and rekindle trust between the two economic giants.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent stated, “We’ve agreed that neither side wishes to decouple. We had constructive and results-oriented discussions about fentanyl.” 

He hinted that these negotiations could pave the way for future “purchase agreements” between the two nations.

However, Bassent clarified that the announced tariff rollbacks will not apply to all sectors, nor do they override the tariffs imposed during Trump’s first administration—those remain in effect for the time being.

Immediate Market Reactions and Global Impact

Markets responded positively to the news. Asian and European stock indices rose sharply. The S&P 500 futures gained 3%, oil prices surged, and yields on U.S. Treasury bonds climbed. 

The dollar also strengthened against other currencies, while China’s offshore yuan gained approximately 0.5% against the U.S. dollar.

According to the U.S. statement, both nations will establish a new framework to facilitate ongoing dialogue on economic and trade relations.

Vice Premier He Lifeng of China’s State Council will serve as the chief negotiator for Beijing. On the American side, Treasury Secretary Bassent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer will lead the negotiations.

In the joint statement, both parties agreed that future discussions could be held in either country or, upon mutual consent, in a third-party nation. It also allows for working-level consultations on specific economic and trade matters as needed.

Beijing’s Response and the Larger Context

China’s state-run news agency Xinhua emphasized that the Chinese government has always pursued a bilateral relationship with the United States based on mutual respect and equality. 

This position is enshrined in China’s national security white paper. Beijing reiterated its commitment to building a stable and constructive relationship with Washington, asserting that pressure and threats will not solve complex trade issues.

This recent decision is being viewed as a major step in diffusing the ongoing tariff war between the two Pacific powers. The conflict had previously triggered a sharp downturn in global trade. 

Earlier, both countries had reported “substantial progress” in negotiations, which helped restore some investor confidence and lifted Chinese markets. Now they can rely china trade deal.

The trade war had intensified on April 2 when President Trump imposed new tariffs, marking the day as “Liberation Day.” That move had triggered a market decline.

Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, stated, “We want a more balanced trade relationship with China, and clearly, the Chinese delegation has come to the table with a mindset for compromise.”

A preliminary White House statement on Sunday referred to the development as “a trade agreement.” However, specific details about shared objectives and the timeline for a final deal remain unclear.

Previously, China had demanded that all tariffs imposed in the current year be rolled back—a stance that conflicts with Washington’s core aim of reducing the trade deficit.

Chinese medias are talking about China Trade Deal extremely. China trade deal is a win for Chinese authority.

Analyst Views About China Trade Deal: Optimism, but Caution

Analysts remain cautiously optimistic. Janka Oertel, Director of the Asia Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations, observed that although both parties describe this as a joint agreement, Chinese officials may interpret it more as a reversal of Trump-era tariffs than a true new deal.

“We’re back at the starting line. Now the real talks can begin,” said Oertel. “While the outcome is uncertain, China appears to be in a stronger psychological position than in previous rounds.”

However, she noted that without detailed commitments on critical issues like market access and increases in U.S. exports, it’s premature to call this a true agreement.

China Trade Deal: U.S. and China Suspend Tariffs

Shipping giant Maersk of Denmark echoed similar sentiments. They called the 90-day suspension of tariffs a step “in the right direction.” As of 9:48 a.m. on Monday, Maersk’s shares had surged by 12.9%.

“We hope this sets the foundation for a permanent deal that provides long-term certainty to our clients,” the company stated. “Our customers now have clarity on reduced tariffs for the next three months, and we are working hard to help them capitalize on this window.”

Excitement in the stock market

Progress in the china trade agreement cheered stock markets. Investors hope the tariff suspension will help to stop a full-scale world trade conflict.

At the announcement time Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was trading at a peak level. Then It quickly up to end the day 3% higher.

European share markets also experienced a significant increase. Early signs pointed to more than 2% higher opening for the major U.S. stock exchanges on Monday morning.

Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, remarked that the market saw this agreement as “a major win” and responded with “warm enthusiasm.”

He added, “Most expected only a vague commitment to continue talks. Instead, we’ve seen a preliminary deal with significant tariff reductions—a surprising and encouraging development.”

Oil prices spiked on hopes of increased global economic growth. Benchmark Brent Crude surged over 3%, rising to $64.14 per barrel.

On the flip side, gold prices dropped by 3%, settling at $3,224.34 per ounce. Gold had recently seen consistent gains due to the uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff hikes, as investors flocked to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset.

China Trade Deal: U.S. and China Suspend Tariffs

Overall

While the china trade deal announced in Geneva is not yet final, it represents a pivotal shift in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. 

Both governments have signaled a willingness to compromise, at least temporarily, in order to stabilize the global economy. 

Markets have reacted with enthusiasm, but seasoned analysts advise patience. The road to a comprehensive and lasting agreement remains long—and fragile.

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