After months of tough talk and trade tantrums, China might be inching toward the negotiating table. On Friday, Beijing hinted it’s “evaluating” whether to chat with the U.S. about those massive tariffs President Trump dropped like a hammer—including a 145% wallop on Chinese imports. It also made exemptions on nearly a quarter of US imports, on the down low.
According to China’s Commerce Ministry, America’s been making the first move, sending word through “relevant parties” (translation: they’re feeling the pressure). But don’t expect China to admit that—they’re still throwing shade, warning that “coercion and extortion” won’t fly. Cute.
Meanwhile, China’s economy isn’t looking too hot. Deflation, a housing market mess, and now these new tariffs have them sweating. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent aren’t backing down either. Bessent told Fox’s Maria Bartiromo he’s “confident” China wants a deal, but it’s gonna take time.
🚨BREAKING: China silently exempts 25% of US imports from tariffs. pic.twitter.com/LeqoqDJnYZ
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 2, 2025
President Trump’s not mincing words either, saying there’s a “very good chance” a deal could happen—but only on U.S. terms. And while Beijing keeps puffing its chest on social media (talking about how they’ll “never kneel down!”), actions speak louder: they’ve already started quietly cutting tariffs on some American goods like medicines and jet engines. Hmm.
China is already caving to President Trump on tariffs, quietly.
At the same time, 177K jobs were added in April instead of the 138K expected.
Stock market futures are now looking good.
US economy is ending the week strong! pic.twitter.com/cbSbCurMez
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) May 2, 2025
Oh, and the U.S. just axed tariff exemptions for all those under-$800 Chinese imports too. So yeah, the pressure’s on.
Bottom line? China’s barking loud, but they’re starting to blink. Stay tuned.