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President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence that the United States would reach a trade agreement with China, even as tensions between the two countries remain high and there is no clarity on when talks might resume.
“Oh we’re going to make a deal," Trump said from the White House in response to a reporter's question about picking up the phone to call China's President Xi Jinping. "I think we are going to make a very good deal with China."
The remarks come amid growing friction between Washington and Beijing, with the Trump administration steadily increasing tariffs on Chinese goods in recent months. On Tuesday, the White House released a fact sheet announcing that China now faces tariffs as high as 245 per cent on certain imports -- a dramatic jump from previous rates.
Trump has justified the move as necessary to address longstanding trade imbalances and unfair practices. However, the Chinese commerce ministry has hit back, calling the tariffs irrational and accusing the US of playing a “meaningless” numbers game. Beijing has warned that it will "fight to the end" if Washington continues to impose what it describes as damaging and unjustified economic pressure.
Earlier Thursday, China’s commerce ministry had also urged the US to stop applying “extreme pressure” and to show mutual respect if talks are to resume.
Despite these sharp exchanges, Trump maintained an upbeat tone. He also expressed optimism about trade discussions with the European Union, saying, “We’re going to have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else.”
Trump was speaking while hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House. Trade was a key topic in their meeting. Meloni, who has aligned closely with Trump, said she was confident a deal could be made and offered to assist in the process. “I am sure we can make a deal, and I am here to help with that,” she said.
TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR
The President recently rolled out a baseline 10 per cent tariff on all imports, with steeper “reciprocal” tariffs for countries with large trade deficits with the US. While most nations were granted a 90-day pause on the higher rates to allow room for negotiations, China was not offered the same relief.
Economists have cautioned that the ongoing uncertainty could rattle markets and push inflation higher. But Trump stood firm, saying the US remains in a strong negotiating position. “We have something that everybody wants,” he said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who will host US Vice President JD Vance in Rome the following day, is seen as a potential mediator between Washington and European leaders.
Published On:
Apr 17, 2025
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