• US and China agree to 90-day pause on most tariffs, marking a de-escalation in trade tensions.
  • Significant tariff reductions implemented: US cuts from 145% to 30% on Chinese imports, China lowers from 125% to 10% on US goods.
  • Talks continue as both sides seek to stabilize one of the world's most consequential economic relationships.

Negotiations Resume After Break

Trade representatives from China and the United States returned to the negotiating table Thursday afternoon following a lunch break, continuing discussions aimed at maintaining recent progress in de-escalating trade tensions. The talks come just days after both nations implemented substantial reciprocal tariff reductions under a temporary 90-day truce agreement.

"We're seeing constructive dialogue," said one official familiar with the discussions who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. "Both sides recognize the importance of keeping this momentum going."

Recent Progress

The current round of negotiations follows the May 12 agreement that paused most tariffs imposed during the recent escalation. The Trump administration had raised baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to an effective 145%, prompting reciprocal actions from Beijing. Under the new arrangement:

  • US tariffs on Chinese goods dropped to 30%
  • China's tariffs on US products fell to 10%

This development represents the most significant de-escalation since President Trump's sweeping "Liberation Day" tariff announcement on April 2, which established a baseline 10% tariff on most imports from all countries with additional country-specific tariffs.

Broader Context

The talks occur against a backdrop of increasing global economic interdependence, where trade disruptions can have cascading effects across supply chains. While the 90-day pause provides breathing room, analysts note that fundamental differences remain between the two economic powers.

Attempts to reach spokespeople for both delegations for comment on the afternoon session were unsuccessful. However, sources indicate discussions are expected to continue through the evening as negotiators work to build on the initial tariff agreement.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the tariff pause agreement. It was May 12, not May 10.