Today's News: U.S.–China Trade Talks Yield Tentative Progress
While officials from both countries signaled a willingness to lower tensions, details remain scarce, and China has yet to issue a formal statement.
Photo: Valentin Flauraud/AFP/Getty Images
Overview
Date: May 11, 2025
Topic: U.S.–China Trade Talks Yield Tentative Progress Amid High Tariffs
Summary: Senior U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, reported “substantial progress” following weekend negotiations with Chinese counterparts in Geneva, though no formal deal has been confirmed. Talks focused on de-escalating a tariff war that saw U.S. import duties on Chinese goods rise to 145% and Chinese retaliation at 125%. While officials from both countries signaled a willingness to lower tensions, details remain scarce, and China has yet to issue a formal statement. President Trump and U.S. officials suggested tariff reductions are possible—down to 80%—but contingent on Chinese concessions. The negotiations carry major economic implications, with disruptions already visible in global supply chains, inflation, and contracting trade volumes.
Sources
The New York Times: U.S. Says ‘Substantial Progress’ Made in Reaching Deal With China - The New York Times
CNN: Top US officials emerge from China trade talks touting ‘substantial progress’ and ‘agreement’ | CNN Politics
NBC News: White House touts 'China trade deal,' but offers no details
Fox News: Trump and China close in on trade deal after productive talks, Bessent says
The Washington Post: U.S. officials say ‘substantial progress’ in trade talks with China
The Wall Street Journal: Bessent Says U.S.-China Trade Talks Were ‘Productive,’ but Doesn’t Announce Deal - WSJ
Key Points
All sources report “substantial progress” in U.S.–China trade negotiations, with officials referring to a tentative “deal,” though no details are confirmed.
Talks aimed to de-escalate a trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and China’s retaliatory 125% tariffs on U.S. products.
Both sides described the talks as “productive,” and U.S. officials said more information would be released the following day.
President Trump publicly floated a possible reduction in tariffs to 80%, contingent on Chinese concessions.
The trade war has significantly disrupted trade volumes, supply chains, and economic growth in both countries, with economists warning of inflation and possible recession.
Unique Highlights
CNN provides detailed economic impacts: U.S. GDP contracted, Chinese factory activity declined, and shipping from China dropped 60%.
The New York Times emphasizes the national security framing of tariffs, including fentanyl precursor export bans and rare earth mineral restrictions.
NBC News highlights White House inconsistencies, citing Trump’s “strategic uncertainty” and contradictions between his statements and press secretary clarifications.
Fox News focuses on the Trump administration’s broader trade posture, linking the talks with a separate U.K. deal and recent protectionist moves.
The Wall Street Journal details behind-the-scenes logistics of the Geneva talks, including delegation movements and dinner arrangements.
The Washington Post explores China's transshipment strategy and highlights Beijing’s effort to appear open yet defiant.
Contrasting Details
The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times caution that no formal deal was announced, whereas CNN and NBC News imply an agreement may have been reached.
Fox News frames the negotiations as a result of Chinese willingness to engage, while The Washington Post emphasizes China’s portrayal of itself as reacting to U.S. aggression.
Only CNN and The New York Times mention the fentanyl issue explicitly; Fox News omits it.
NBC News criticizes Trump’s trade strategy more openly, calling it incoherent and reactive, unlike Fox News, which presents it as principled and strategic.
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