China and U.S. Trade Chiefs Discuss Tariffs Amid Escalating Tensions

China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng expressed “solemn concerns” over U.S. tariffs and announced plans for “reciprocal” duties during a video call with U.S. top trade chief Jamieson Greer on Wednesday, according to Chinese state media Xinhua. The two officials engaged in a “candid and in-depth” discussion on key economic and trade issues, agreeing to maintain open lines of communication.
The call comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to impose additional reciprocal tariffs next week, potentially increasing duties on Chinese goods. Since taking office in January, Trump has implemented 20% levies on all Chinese imports, citing Beijing’s insufficient efforts to curb the outflow of chemical precursors used in producing fentanyl, a deadly drug.
In response, China has introduced targeted tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. goods, including oil, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural products. These tit-for-tat measures have further strained relations between the two global powers, which have already reached historic lows due to disputes over trade, technology restrictions, and Taiwan.
The escalating trade tensions underscore the fragile state of U.S.-China relations, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.