Top officials from the United States and China have begun new US-China tariff talks in Stockholm. The negotiations come as a 90-day truce on high tariffs nears expiration on August 12.
The two-day talks in Sweden bring together US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Their goal is to find common ground and possibly extend the current tariff pause by another 90 days.
Both countries imposed heavy tariffs on each other earlier this year. However, after talks in Geneva, they agreed to temporarily lower duties, 30% by the US and 10% by China. This pause helped ease tensions but was always meant to be temporary.
According to analysts, the mood has shifted since the last meeting in London. US officials now appear more open to reducing friction with China. Emily Benson, a trade expert, said both sides have restarted trade in key sectors like semiconductors and rare earth materials.
“There is hope that a deal can be reached to delay tariff hikes,” she noted.
The US, China to resume tariff talks in effort to extend truce is seen as a critical move. A failure to extend the agreement could lead to major tariff hikes. Other US trading partners like Brazil and India also face similar deadlines.
The South China Morning Post reported that both sides are likely to extend the truce by 90 days. This would maintain current tariff levels and provide more time for progress.
Observers believe the talks in Sweden may not produce a detailed agreement immediately. However, the fact that both sides are talking is considered a good sign.
US-China Business Council President Sean Stein said the business community remains hopeful. He added that a meeting between the US and Chinese presidents later this year could help finalize a broader deal.
For now, the world watches as China, US to extend tariff pause at Sweden talks by another 90 days remains a real possibility.
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