TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – Upcoming discussions set for this weekend in Switzerland between U.S. and Chinese officials represent the culmination of more than three months of intense retaliatory tariffs imposed by both nations. This ongoing trade conflict has significantly affected their exporters and contributed to economic downturns in both countries.
As the talks approach, U.S. and Chinese officials are facing an unprecedented level of tariffs on their products. The United States currently imposes duties of 145% on Chinese imports, while China has retaliated with tariffs reaching 125% on U.S. goods. This dramatic escalation in trade barriers marks a critical juncture in the U.S.-China trade relationship.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that these talks could lead to meaningful outcomes. He indicated a willingness to substantially lower tariffs contingent upon concessions from China. Conversely, Chinese officials have called for the complete cancellation of tariffs prior to the dialogue, reflecting the stark differences in negotiation positions.
The escalation of tariffs traces back to the beginning of Trump's second term in office, with various significant events marking the timeline of the trade conflict:
On February 1, 2025, Trump signed an executive order instituting a 10% tariff on all imports from China, alongside 25% duties on goods from Mexico and Canada, although he later announced a 30-day delay on the latter tariffs.
Just days later, on February 4, the 10% tariffs on Chinese imports were put into effect. China responded the same day with a series of countermeasures, including tariffs on American coal, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural machinery.
On March 4, Trump announced additional 10% tariffs on all Chinese products, raising the total to 20%. In retaliation, China imposed tariffs of up to 15% on key U.S. agricultural exports such as chicken, pork, soybean, and beef, along with expanded restrictions on the operations of key American companies in China.
These defensive actions from China took effect on March 10, and new developments continued to unfold. On April 2, celebrating what he labeled as "Tariff Liberation Day," Trump unveiled additional tariffs of 34% on all Chinese imports, set to commence on April 9.
China’s response was swift. On April 4, it announced a similar hike, imposing tariffs of 34% on all U.S. goods, effective April 10. This included other retaliatory measures such as export restrictions on rare earth minerals, suspension of imports of sorghum, poultry, and bonemeal from specific U.S. companies, the addition of 27 firms to lists facing trade restrictions, and the initiation of an anti-monopoly investigation into DuPont China Group.
On April 7, Trump threatened further escalation, warning of additional 50% tariffs if China did not retract its significant 34% reciprocal tariffs. On April 9, the "Liberation Day" tariffs took effect, elevating U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%. In retaliatory fashion, Beijing raised its tariffs on U.S. products to 84% as of April 10.
Further complicating matters, Trump immediately boosted overall tariffs on all Chinese imports to 145%. China's subsequent response on April 11 saw its tariffs on U.S. goods raised to 125%, though Beijing indicated they would not impose any more increases.
The trade war has prompted a series of animated public and private discussions, with notable attendees set for a meeting in Geneva on May 6. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, representing a critical opportunity for de-escalation and potential resolution.
This unfolding narrative of escalating tariffs highlights the complexities and challenges in U.S.-China relations, emphasizing the far-reaching implications on global trade.
