Trade negotiations between the United States and China have hit a roadblock, just weeks after both sides agreed to ease tariffs in a move aimed at de-escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Thursday that the discussions had “stalled,” though he maintained that further engagement is expected. Speaking to Fox News, Bessent acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, saying they would likely require intervention at the highest levels.
“I think that given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity, that this is going to require [leaders of both countries] to weigh in with each other,” Bessent said. He added that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have maintained a “very good relationship” and that a direct call between the two leaders could help revive momentum.
Earlier this month, the US and China announced a temporary trade truce following negotiations in Switzerland. The agreement saw both countries commit to reducing tariffs on each other’s imports, with some duties being eliminated and others suspended for 90 days, effective from May 14. As part of the deal, US tariffs on Chinese goods were lowered from 145% to 30%, while China’s retaliatory duties on American products dropped from 125% to 10%.
Despite the initial optimism surrounding the agreement, progress has since slowed. Bessent reiterated that talks are ongoing and expressed hope that new discussions would take place in the coming weeks.
The broader context of the talks has been complicated by legal challenges to President Trump’s tariff policies. On Wednesday, the US Court of International Trade ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing certain duties — a decision that could potentially weaken the administration’s negotiating leverage. However, the White House has secured a temporary suspension of the ruling while it appeals, with Trump voicing confidence that the Supreme Court will ultimately uphold his approach.
“Hopefully, the Supreme Court will reverse this horrible, country-threatening decision, QUICKLY and DECISIVELY,” the president wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Meanwhile, trade talks with other nations continue. A Japanese delegation is currently in Washington for ongoing discussions, and Bessent hinted that several bilateral agreements could be nearing completion.
“A couple [of deals] are very close,” he said. “A couple of them are more complicated.”
With Trump’s global tariff regime under legal scrutiny and momentum waning in China talks, the coming weeks could prove critical for the White House’s broader trade strategy.
