Trump Cheers " Significant Headway " as U.S.-China Trade Talks in Geneva Persist

The second day of negotiations between American and Chinese officials concluded in Switzerland, with U.S. President Donald Trump describing the talks as having made "significant headway" and constituting a "complete overhaul."

The chief American negotiator in the trade discussions, Jamieson Greer, stated that the Geneva negotiations resulted in "significant progress."

The world’s two leading economic powers are trying to find solutions to their trade dispute following US President Donald Trump's heavy tariffs and Beijing's retaliation.

The specifics of what transpired during negotiations remain undisclosed as of now. Nevertheless, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that additional details will be provided on Monday.

Greer, however, didn’t specify exactly what he meant when he said, "It's crucial to recognize how swiftly we managed to reach an understanding, suggesting that maybe the discrepancies weren't as significant as some might have believed."

In the meantime, China has stayed quiet on its end.

On Saturday evening, Trump utilized his social media platform to announce that "significant advancements" were being achieved towards potentially achieving a "complete overhaul" of the tariffs that have pushed the worldwide economy to the edge.

"A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to," the US president posted on his Truth Social platform.

"We hope to witness, for the benefit of both China and the U.S., greater accessibility of Chinese markets to American businesses," Trump stated additionally.

In the meantime, an editorial released by its state-controlled news agency ahead of Sunday’s second day of talks emphasized that China would "resolutely oppose any suggestions that compromise fundamental principles or harm the greater objective of worldwide fairness."

The two countries met at the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations to hold the talks.

Washington and Beijing's tariff dispute has disrupted world markets, leaving ships in port with goods from China. These negotiations are aimed at solving problems like those mentioned.

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• US and China tariff talks begin in Geneva with hope of de-escalating trade dispute

Talks might assist in stabilizing international markets disrupted by the U.S.-China conflict, resulting in cargo vessels loaded with Chinese products being stuck at harbors, pending outcomes regarding duties.

Trump last month raised US tariffs on China to a combined 145%, and China retaliated with a 125% levy on American imports. Tariffs that high essentially amount to the two countries boycotting each other’s products, disrupting trade that last year exceeded €586 billion.

In its editorial, Xinhua stated, “Talks should never be a pretext for continued coercion or extortion, and China will firmly reject any proposal that compromises core principles or undermines the broader cause of global equity.”

We're beginning anew

Senior members of the Trump administration followed the president's lead, insisting that a reset of US-China trade relations could be on the horizon.

Secretary Bessent has made it evident that one of his goals is to reduce tensions," said US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was not present in Geneva, during an interview with "Fox News Sunday.

He mentioned that both the U.S. and China have implemented tariffs that are "excessively high for conducting business, which explains why they are currently in negotiations."

We are global consumers. Everyone aims to sell their products here," Lutnick stated. "Thus, they must engage in commerce with America, and we're leveraging our economic strength to expose their market to our exporting companies.

Kevin Hassett, who heads the White House National Economic Council, informed Fox News, “it’s likely that connections will be restarted. The indications show that the Chinese are highly enthusiastic about cooperating and normalizing relations once again.”

“We’re essentially starting over, starting from scratch with the Chinese,” Hassett said, “and they seem to think that they really want to rebuild a relationship that’s great for both of us.”

The talks mark the first time the sides have met face-to-face to discuss the issues. And though prospects for a breakthrough are limited, even a small reduction in tariffs, especially if implemented simultaneously, could help restore confidence.

“Negotiations to begin de-escalating the growing US–China trade war are badly needed, and it’s a positive sign that both sides were able to gracefully move beyond their bickering over who had to call first,” Jake Werner, director of the East Asia Programme at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said.

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on countries worldwide, but its dispute with China has been the most intense. Trump’s import taxes on Chinese goods include a 20% charge aimed at pressuring Beijing to do more to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the US.

The remaining 125% is part of a dispute that dates back to Trump’s first term and comes atop tariffs he imposed on China then, meaning the total tariffs on some Chinese goods can exceed 145%.