China has called on the United States to fully eliminate tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, signaling renewed pressure on Washington to ease trade restrictions amid ongoing high-level talks between the two global powers.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Shu Jueting emphasized that the remaining tariffs “do not serve the interests of either country” and are a lingering obstacle to economic cooperation. “We hope the U.S. side will work with China to take concrete actions and completely remove the additional tariffs as soon as possible,” she said.
The request comes as both countries seek to stabilize a relationship long strained by trade disputes, technological competition, and geopolitical tensions. While the Biden administration has rolled back or suspended some tariffs, hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports remain subject to elevated duties.
Analysts view Beijing’s renewed push as part of a broader effort to improve economic conditions at home while leveraging ongoing diplomatic dialogues, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent visit to China and expected future exchanges.
Despite calls from U.S. business groups and some lawmakers to ease tariffs that they argue contribute to inflation and burden American consumers, the White House has so far maintained a cautious approach. National security concerns and efforts to diversify supply chains remain central to its trade policy.
The Trump-era tariffs, initially introduced in 2018 during a major escalation in the U.S.-China trade war, affected products ranging from steel to electronics. China retaliated with its own levies on American goods, though both countries later reached a partial “Phase One” agreement in 2020.
Beijing’s latest appeal underscores the complex balancing act both sides face: navigating domestic political pressures while trying to reset economic ties in a shifting global landscape.
source: outlookindia.com