The U.S. has not started trade talks with China amid ongoing high tariffs, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Congress.
Neither side has confirmed attempts to initiate discussions. The Trump administration raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. imports. While Trump has expressed interest in lowering some tariffs, he insists China act first. China says talks require the U.S. to show sincerity and remove tariffs. Bessent claims China’s economy is vulnerable, warning tariffs could cost it millions of jobs. Meanwhile, some U.S. goods—worth $40 billion—have been quietly exempted from Chinese tariffs, suggesting possible movement toward negotiations.
