US-China Trade Tensions Ease Temporarily

Published on 4.12.25

  The recent developments in the US-China trade war have sparked a mix of relief and caution among global leaders as US President Trump announced plans to lower tariffs on Chinese goods, with some set to expire. This move appears to be an effort by the US to narrow the trade war. Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that China will not back down in the face of what he considers "unreasonable" behavior from the US, specifically referencing the tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. He urged the EU to help China resist what he called "unilateral bullying", a veiled criticism of Donald Trump's policies. The tariffs imposed by the US have had significant implications for both countries' economies, with China being the second-largest exporter to the US and the US exporting $144 billion worth of goods to China last year. The decision by Trump to lower tariffs has been met with a mixed response from global leaders, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that negotiations are needed to avoid countermeasures. The EU has welcomed the US president's partial retreat, and is urging both countries to engage in talks to resolve their differences. Pakistan is also sending a delegation to Washington in an effort to negotiate a trade deal. Despite this, tensions remain high as both countries prepare for negotiations, with some experts criticizing Trump's use of emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

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