GENEVA (Realist English). Two days of high-level talks between the United States and China concluded on Sunday with no formal agreement, but officials from both sides pointed to “substantial progress” and promised further details at a press briefing on Monday. The fate of steep tariffs — a centerpiece of the trade dispute — remains unresolved.
“We’ve made significant progress in very important trade negotiations between the United States and China,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters, describing the discussions as “productive.” He added that specific outcomes would be disclosed Monday morning.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer went a step further, calling the outcome “an agreement,” and insisted that “the differences were not as serious as previously thought.” On the Chinese side, the delegation was led by Vice Premier He Lifeng, a key figure in Beijing’s economic policymaking.
China’s state broadcaster echoed the positive tone, calling the talks “constructive” and confirming that both countries had agreed to establish a consultative mechanism for ongoing economic and trade dialogue.
However, neither side confirmed any movement on the core issue: tariff reductions. In response to President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing had retaliated with 125% tariffs on American imports — a standoff that continues to cloud global trade.
Commerce Secretary Howard Latnick, speaking to CNN, said the US negotiating team feels “confident” and is “optimistic” about the path toward tariff reduction. But he urged patience, adding that “serious conclusions should wait until Monday or Tuesday.”
President Trump, who has previously floated the idea of reducing tariffs to 80%, has not yet commented on the outcome. However, he described Saturday’s bilateral meeting as “a reset conducted in a friendly but constructive manner.”
Speaking on Fox News, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said China is “deeply interested” in restoring normal trade relations. He added that a comprehensive deal might require “dozens of rounds” of further negotiation.
What to know
- Both sides cited “substantial progress” but provided no details on tariff de-escalation.
- A formal statement is expected Monday.
- Delegations discussed setting up a standing consultation mechanism for future talks.
- The US is still considering phased tariff reductions as part of a broader thaw.
Talks of “progress” are familiar — but markets and business leaders need clarity, not platitudes. The key signal is that the two sides kept talking, not that they reached consensus. If Monday brings no explicit move on tariffs, this round may be just another pause in a prolonged trade war, not a breakthrough.
