Episodes

  • US and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Truce Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions and Negotiations for Market Access

    US and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Truce Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions and Negotiations for Market Access
    Jul 6 2025
    Listeners, welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker. Today is July 6, 2025, and the US-China trade relationship is once again making headlines with a dramatic and complex set of tariff changes and ongoing negotiations that are reshaping global commerce.

    After a period of steady escalation throughout the spring, the United States and China have agreed to a temporary truce. On May 12, the White House and China's Ministry of Commerce announced a deal to reduce reciprocal tariffs to 10% for 90 days, following direct negotiations in Geneva. This agreement replaced the previous 125 percent tariffs each country imposed on the other just a month earlier. However, one major caveat remains: the US continues to enforce a 20 percent “fentanyl” tariff on Chinese goods, meaning most Chinese imports are effectively still subject to a 30 percent tariff. According to a White House fact sheet, both sides agreed to suspend additional retaliation and committed to future talks on further opening market access. China, for its part, has suspended its own tariffs up to 34% on US products for the duration of the deal, also lasting 90 days.

    The events leading up to this truce were dramatic. In early April, President Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to an unprecedented 145 percent, using powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. These moves were justified as actions to address trade imbalances and curb the flow of illicit fentanyl, but observers like the Peterson Institute for International Economics note that average US tariffs on Chinese goods had soared to over 50 percent, covering every single Chinese product. China responded in kind, at one point matching the US tariff hikes up to 125 percent on American exports and introducing licensing requirements that effectively halted exports of critical rare-earth elements—materials vital to high-tech manufacturing.

    These tit-for-tat measures fueled warnings from major US retailers and manufacturers about fast-approaching price hikes and potential product shortages for American consumers. Trump himself appeared to soften his stance later in April, signaling that tariffs could come down “substantially” but would not be eliminated. The recent 90-day reduction appears to be a direct response to those warnings and pressures, as well as a bid to stabilize a volatile economic relationship.

    For now, both sides have three months to negotiate a more permanent solution. If no comprehensive agreement is reached, tariffs could snap back to 34 percent or even return to the peak levels seen in April. Political observers and trade experts remain skeptical about the sustainability of the current pause, especially given the volatile backdrop of US election politics and ongoing strategic rivalry.

    Listeners, that’s the latest on the US-China tariff front. We’ll be back soon to track the next round of headlines and decisions. Thank you for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • US China Trade War Escalates: Tariffs Soar to 51.1 Percent, Consumers Face Steep Price Increases in 2025 Showdown

    US China Trade War Escalates: Tariffs Soar to 51.1 Percent, Consumers Face Steep Price Increases in 2025 Showdown
    Jul 4 2025
    Welcome back to China Tariff News and Tracker, your trusted source for the latest on US tariffs, Trump’s trade policy, and the ongoing economic standoff with China.

    Listeners, it’s July 4th, 2025, and there’s a lot happening on the China tariff front. The big headline is that the average US tariff on Chinese goods currently stands at 51.1 percent, covering virtually every product imported from China. This marks a dramatic escalation since President Trump returned to office in January, when average rates jumped by more than 30 percentage points. In recent months, tariffs had surged even higher, briefly peaking at an eye-watering 126.5 percent in early May, before negotiations helped pull rates back down. China’s average tariffs on US goods remain steep as well, now at 32.6 percent, with their own increases matching the escalation from Washington.

    This year has been marked by constant moves and countermoves. Back in early April, Trump announced new “Liberation Day” tariffs, layering a 34 percent duty on Chinese goods on top of the existing 20 percent “fentanyl” tariff. That was compounded with a universal 10 percent baseline tariff on all US imports, affecting not just China but virtually every trading partner worldwide. For a brief period this spring, rates on Chinese imports soared as high as 145 percent after a rapid-fire series of executive orders from the White House.

    Trade tension reached a fever pitch, with both the US and China imposing and ratcheting up reciprocal tariffs almost daily. Just as prices for consumer goods—especially shoes and apparel—were set to skyrocket, negotiators from both countries convened in Geneva. On May 12, following talks between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and newly appointed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the two sides agreed to a 90-day tariff ceasefire.

    Under this latest deal, both countries rolled back their highest tariffs. The US rate on Chinese imports dropped from a staggering 125 percent to a combined 30 percent—comprising a 10 percent baseline tariff plus the 20 percent fentanyl surcharge. China, for its part, suspended its new 34 percent tariff and other non-tariff countermeasures, offering a temporary reprieve for US exports. However, if a comprehensive deal isn’t reached within this 90-day period, tariffs are set to snap back to higher levels, with the US scheduled to return to a 34 percent baseline tariff on Chinese goods.

    President Trump’s trade team touts these moves as historic wins that showcase America’s leverage and his determination to protect US industry. But the impact on American consumers is already being felt. According to The Budget Lab at Yale, the average effective tariff rate in the US is now 15.8 percent, the highest since 1936. Households are seeing price increases across the board, with shoes up 33 percent and apparel 28 percent higher in the short run, accounting for an average per-household income loss of over $2,000 in 2025 dollars.

    As all eyes turn to the 90-day negotiating window, business leaders and consumers alike are bracing for what may come next. The message from Washington is clear: expect tariffs—especially on China—to remain a central part of US trade policy as long as President Trump is in office.

    Thanks for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • US and China Reach Temporary Tariff Truce Lowering Rates to 10 Percent After Months of Escalating Trade Tensions

    US and China Reach Temporary Tariff Truce Lowering Rates to 10 Percent After Months of Escalating Trade Tensions
    Jun 30 2025
    Welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker, your source for the latest headlines and analysis on US-China trade tensions, Trump-era tariffs, and cross-Pacific commerce. Today is June 30, 2025, and there have been significant updates in the tariff landscape that listeners need to know.

    Just weeks ago, the United States and China reached a temporary truce after a dramatic series of tariff escalations earlier this spring. On May 12th, after weekend negotiations in Geneva, President Trump and Chinese officials agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs to a 10 percent baseline, a sharp decrease from the record highs seen earlier this year. According to a White House fact sheet, both countries agreed to eliminate most of the dramatic retaliatory measures imposed since April, with each side pledging to suspend an additional 24 percent effective tariff for an initial period of 90 days. This means that, for at least the next few weeks, most US products entering China and Chinese goods entering the US face a 10 percent tariff, offering some relief to global supply chains and importers after months of volatility.

    These changes come on the heels of a rapid-fire tariff war that reached fever pitch in April and early May. Following an April 2nd executive order, the US imposed a baseline 34 percent tariff on most imports from China, which Beijing matched in kind. The White House then raised tariffs several times, ultimately peaking at 125 percent on Chinese goods by April 9th. China tracked these increases closely, at one point raising its own tariffs to 125 percent on US products. Both governments also took sector-specific actions: for example, the US doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum from China to 50 percent as of June 4th, and China imposed new anti-dumping duties, such as a 74.9 percent rate on certain engineering plastics.

    While the May truce dramatically reduced tariff rates, the situation remains fragile. President Trump, speaking on Truth Social, made it clear that the 10 percent minimum base tariff on Chinese goods is “here to stay.” The White House has also highlighted its authority to reimpose or increase tariffs quickly if negotiations sour or if China backslides on commitments regarding fentanyl, intellectual property, or rare earth exports. Chinese officials have been clear that they do not want a trade war but are prepared to "fight to the end" should the US resume escalation.

    Industry reaction has been mixed. American manufacturers and retailers welcomed the tariff pause but warn that uncertainty is causing supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and difficulties in long-term planning. Meanwhile, experts caution that the 90-day window could close without further progress, potentially reigniting the tariff spiral.

    That wraps up today's episode of China Tariff News and Tracker. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates on this fast-changing story. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • US-China Trade War Escalates and Retreats: Trump Imposes Massive Tariffs Before Negotiating 90-Day Truce in 2025

    US-China Trade War Escalates and Retreats: Trump Imposes Massive Tariffs Before Negotiating 90-Day Truce in 2025
    Jun 29 2025
    Listeners, welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker. It’s June 29, 2025, and the US-China tariff landscape has been nothing short of dramatic in recent months—especially with President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his renewed focus on trade with China.

    Tariffs between the United States and China have shifted significantly since early April, when President Trump announced a sweeping 34 percent “reciprocal tariff” on most Chinese imports. China responded in kind, imposing its own 34 percent levy on US goods and introducing strict new licensing rules that effectively halted American access to Chinese rare-earth minerals and magnets, a key input for many US tech and defense industries, as noted by Wikipedia’s update on April 2 and 10. In just days, the trade standoff escalated, with both sides rapidly raising tariff rates—the US moved to a 104 percent base tariff and then, briefly, to as high as 145 percent, while China matched these steps with retaliatory tariffs reaching up to 125 percent on US goods through mid-April.

    By late April, widespread concerns from US business leaders about surging prices and looming shortages pressured the Trump administration to reconsider its approach. This led to a notable softening of rhetoric from Washington, and by early May, both sides had agreed to reset the tariff standoff. According to a May 12 joint statement released through the White House, President Trump and Chinese officials negotiated a truce: each country suspended the bulk of reciprocal tariffs, lowering them to a 10 percent base rate for an initial 90-day period. China also agreed to suspend non-tariff countermeasures enacted since April, and the US retained some previous baseline duties, such as the Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs still in place from earlier rounds. China Briefing and Thompson Hine both confirm these details, highlighting May 14 as the effective date for these reductions and the start of the ongoing truce period.

    As of today, the average US tariff on Chinese goods stands at about 55 percent, a composite rate that includes the 10 percent baseline plus sector-specific measures—up from just 24 percent at the start of the year but dramatically lower than the springtime peak of more than 120 percent, according to China Briefing’s June 18 update. China, meanwhile, now maintains an average tariff of roughly 10 percent on US goods, with certain anti-dumping duties and special levies on specific products like agricultural commodities and engineering plastics still in effect. The Peterson Institute notes that these rates remain far higher than they were before the Trump administration returned, covering nearly all US-China trade flows.

    Looking ahead, both countries have pledged to enter new talks to address deeper concerns—market access, industrial policy, and technology protection among them—but it’s clear the tariff issue is nowhere near fully resolved. If this fragile truce holds when the current 90-day window expires in August is the next major question on the minds of companies and consumers alike.

    Thanks for tuning in to this edition of China Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • US-China Trade War Escalates: New Tariffs Reshape Global Economic Landscape in 2025 Bilateral Negotiations

    US-China Trade War Escalates: New Tariffs Reshape Global Economic Landscape in 2025 Bilateral Negotiations
    Jun 27 2025
    As of June 2025, the US-China trade landscape continues to evolve with significant developments in tariffs. The Trump administration has been actively engaged in trade disputes with China, imposing various tariffs under different acts. According to the White House, recent negotiations have led to modifications in reciprocal tariff rates, reflecting discussions with China to address trade imbalances and national security concerns.

    In early 2025, the US imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 10% additional tariff on all imports from China, citing issues like illicit opioid distribution and trade imbalances. China responded with retaliatory measures, targeting US exports such as coal and agricultural equipment. These actions have led to a complex tariff structure, with the US imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 145% on various Chinese imports. The 145% rate includes a 20% tariff on all imports from China plus a 125% tariff on many items, excluding those subject to certain exemptions.

    China's tariffs on US goods have also been adjusted, with rates such as 15% to 25% on products like steel and aluminum under Section 232 retaliatory tariffs, and 2.5% to 25% on items like soybeans and electronics under Section 301 tariffs. More recently, China suspended its initial 34% tariff on the US for 90 days but retained a 10% tariff as part of a broader agreement to reduce tensions and open market access for American exports.

    The World Economic Forum highlights that after negotiations, both the US and China have agreed to lower recent tariffs and continue trade talks. This effort aims to address non-reciprocal trade arrangements and national security concerns.

    Listeners, the ongoing trade dynamics between the US and China are crucial for understanding the global economic landscape. As these negotiations continue, we can expect further adjustments in tariff policies, affecting trade and economic outcomes for both nations.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "China Tariff News and Tracker." Remember to subscribe for more updates on US-China trade relations. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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    2 mins
  • US-China Trade Truce Offers Temporary Relief as Tariffs Remain High Amid Ongoing Economic Tensions

    US-China Trade Truce Offers Temporary Relief as Tariffs Remain High Amid Ongoing Economic Tensions
    Jun 25 2025
    Welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker. As of June 25, 2025, the landscape of US-China tariffs remains highly dynamic, with significant changes over the past month that every listener should have on their radar.

    Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity between Washington and Beijing, culminating in a major development on May 12, 2025. President Trump and Chinese officials reached a deal following negotiations in Geneva. Both sides agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs, suspending 24 percentage points of their respective recent tariff hikes for a 90-day window while keeping a 10% baseline tariff in place on all goods traded between the US and China. According to the White House, this agreement was framed as a “historic trade win” for the United States, designed to reduce tit-for-tat escalation and reopen discussions on market access for American exports. China also committed to suspend its non-tariff countermeasures and the US agreed to remove several recent ad valorem tariff increases targeting Chinese goods, offering American farmers, automakers, and manufacturers some short-term relief.

    Despite this truce, tariffs remain at historically high levels compared to the start of the year. The Peterson Institute for International Economics reports that average US tariffs on Chinese exports rose sharply after January 20, 2025—when Trump’s second term began—and currently stand at about 51.1%, covering all Chinese imports. For a brief period in early May, tariffs even reached as high as 126.5% on some Chinese goods before the Geneva agreement brought them back down. On the other side, China’s average tariffs on US exports have climbed to 32.6%, also covering all US-origin goods.

    Listeners should also note that US tariffs on steel and aluminum are again making headlines. On June 3, 2025, President Trump announced an increase in Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%. This move, intended to counter what the administration calls “unfair trade practices” and overcapacity, is already impacting global metals markets and could have ripple effects on both US manufacturers and allied exporters.

    The Budget Lab at Yale warns these tariffs are likely to contribute to higher consumer prices, with an estimated 1.5% short-run increase in overall costs if the Federal Reserve does not intervene. Trade compliance experts caution that while the immediate truce has offered some certainty, these measures could quickly change again if negotiations stall.

    As the 90-day window for the current suspension of major tariff increases ticks down, all eyes are on upcoming US-China trade talks. The outcome could determine whether elevated tariffs stick or if further reductions are in store.

    Thanks for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates on tariffs, trade negotiations, and global economic impacts. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • US-China Trade Truce Breaks Ground: Trump Secures 55% Tariff Rate and Promises Stability in Global Economic Landscape

    US-China Trade Truce Breaks Ground: Trump Secures 55% Tariff Rate and Promises Stability in Global Economic Landscape
    Jun 22 2025
    Welcome, listeners, to China Tariff News and Tracker, your source for the latest on tariffs, trade headlines, and the evolving relationship between the US, China, and the Trump administration.

    This week, major news has broken on the tariff front, reshaping the global trade landscape. After months of volatility, President Donald Trump announced what he called a “done deal” with China, following intensive negotiations in London and Geneva. Both countries have agreed to reduce tariffs and suspend several non-tariff retaliation measures that were implemented earlier this spring.

    For US importers, the most critical change is the current effective tariff rate on Chinese goods. As of today, the United States is imposing a 55% tariff on nearly all imports from China, up sharply from 30% just a month ago. This 55% is a composite figure: it includes a 10% baseline “reciprocal” tariff that Trump imposed on nearly all US trading partners beginning in April, a 20% surcharge on all Chinese imports, and a pre-existing 25% levy from Trump’s earlier term. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed in multiple interviews that the 55% rate will “definitely” not change in the near term, and the White House notes this is part of a broader Trump strategy targeting perceived trade imbalances.

    According to the World Trade Organization’s Tariff & Trade Data tracker, the tariff war reached a peak of over 140% on select Chinese goods back in April, before the truce. The new agreement, effective since mid-May, lowers the US average tariff on Chinese imports to the current 55% level, while China has reduced its tariffs on US goods to 10%. China has also committed to suspending or removing all non-tariff countermeasures put in place since April 2, which had hampered US exports and investment.

    President Trump called the new agreement “historic,” emphasizing future cooperation. He went further on Truth Social, stating, “Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China,” and reaffirmed that Chinese students would continue to access American universities—a flashpoint in previous rounds of negotiation.

    Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry has underscored the country’s commitment to honoring the deal. Spokesperson Lin Jian declared, “Now that a consensus has been reached, both sides should abide by it,” pointing toward a period of fragile but restored stability.

    Listeners should note that the tariff rates are scheduled for review in August, with the US 10% temporary reduction possibly reverting to 34% if no further deal is reached. Businesses and consumers on both sides are watching closely, weighing the impact on prices, supply chains, and global trade flows.

    Thank you for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates in this rapidly changing field. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

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    3 mins