Trump say Xi called him amid conflicting reports on US-China tariff talks

President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of cutting tariffs on Chinese imports \”substantially\” during a press conference at the White House on Friday. Despite imposing stiff tariffs on China, Trump mentioned that he has had multiple conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, although he did not confirm if these talks occurred after the tariffs were put in place.

The ongoing trade war between the two nations has caused significant disruptions in global markets and supply chains, with the U.S. imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports and China retaliating with a 125% tariff on U.S. goods. Trump’s latest comments come amidst speculation about potential negotiations to reduce these tariffs and improve trade relations between the countries.

In a recent TIME interview, Trump mentioned that Xi had personally called him to discuss trade matters. While he did not provide specific details about the call, Trump emphasized the importance of making deals that benefit the American people. He stated, \”I own the store, and I set prices. If you want to shop here, this is what you have to pay.\”

Despite conflicting reports about the status of negotiations with China, Trump remains optimistic about the possibility of reaching a trade deal. He suggested that the current tariff rate of 145% on Chinese imports could be significantly reduced in the future. While he did not specify the exact percentage, Trump indicated that the rate would not drop to zero but would still be substantially lower than the current level.

The uncertainty surrounding the trade talks has led to conflicting statements from both the U.S. and China. While Trump has hinted at ongoing discussions with China, Chinese officials have denied any active negotiations. Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong emphasized that any talks must be based on mutual respect and equality.

Despite the challenges and complexities of the trade war, Trump remains committed to securing favorable deals for the American people. He expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial agreement with China could be reached in the near future. As the situation continues to evolve, both countries will need to engage in constructive dialogues to address the issues at hand and find a resolution that benefits both parties.