U.S. and Chinese officials are continuing trade talks, with China making concessions that suggest either goodwill or pressure from Trump’s aggressive tariff policy.
About $40 billion worth of U.S. goods, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, have been exempted from China’s 125% tariffs, despite Beijing facing a 145% U.S. tariff on its exports.
Experts see China’s move as strategic, not conciliatory. Chinese leaders say they’re evaluating recent U.S. offers but warned against coercion. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism, noting Beijing may be ready to deal after job losses and economic pressure.
Despite strong rhetoric at the U.N. from Chinese officials accusing the U.S. of economic bullying, Trump’s approval rating rose to 53% after the tariff hike, according to a Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll.
