China Softens Stance on Tariffs as Trump’s Trade Pressure Takes Hold
Amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, Beijing has made a quiet yet significant concession—granting broad exemptions on tariffs imposed on American goods. While high-stakes negotiations continue behind the scenes, China has already removed tariffs on about 25% of U.S. imports, shielding roughly $40 billion worth of American products from its hefty 125% surcharge.
This unexpected shift has sparked speculation, with some seeing it as a strategic pivot and others interpreting it as a quiet acknowledgment of U.S. economic influence. The move comes as China grapples with mounting pressure following President Trump’s bold decision to slap a 145% tariff on Chinese exports, adding further strain to its already fragile economy.
Among the American products now exempt: vital pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Trade experts quoted by Bloomberg suggest that this isn’t an act of goodwill but a shrewd calculation by President Xi Jinping, aimed at limiting economic fallout while keeping bargaining power intact. Whether this shift was influenced directly by Washington’s pressure remains unclear.
On Friday, Xi’s spokesperson revealed that China is currently “evaluating” the latest proposal from the Trump administration—an unexpectedly conciliatory gesture that hints at potential progress in negotiations aimed at narrowing the enormous U.S.-China trade gap. “The U.S. has recently taken the initiative on several occasions to communicate with China,” Reuters reported, suggesting the possibility of a thaw in tensions.
However, Beijing remains firm in its stance on major concessions. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce made it clear that it would not tolerate coercive tactics, warning: “Attempts to use talks as a guise for coercion and extortion will fail.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, remains optimistic. In a recent interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, he expressed confidence that China is eager to resolve the trade standoff after weeks of economic pain. “I believe China is ready for a deal. This will be a phased process—first, de-escalation, and then a broader agreement,” Bessent said. Analysts warn that the tariffs could threaten up to 10 million jobs in China’s economy.
Both nations have carved out key exemptions in their respective tariffs. For example, China recently lifted tariffs on ethanol, underscoring the importance of biofuels in its energy plans.
President Xi’s shift in tone marks a stark contrast to the combative rhetoric of just weeks ago, when Chinese U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong accused the U.S. of using tariffs to advance “hegemonic ambitions” and disrupt global trade. Fu’s remarks, made at a U.N. Security Council meeting, described Washington’s approach as a “zero-sum game” disguised as fairness.
In response, the U.S. State Department quickly dismissed Fu’s statements, calling them a “waste of time” and accusing China of using multilateral forums to further its own political and economic interests.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s tough trade tactics seem to be resonating with American voters. A new J.L. Partners/Daily Mail poll reveals that Trump’s approval rating has climbed to 53%, a 4-point jump from the previous week, despite the controversial tariffs imposed on dozens of countries on April 2.
Even amidst harsh criticism from Democrats, the media, and some within his own party, Trump’s hardline trade approach appears to be strengthening his support base—and expanding his appeal beyond it.
