US holding trade talks with 130 countries, starting 'nascent dialogue' with China
Photo: White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett (screenshot from the video)
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that the number of countries contacting the US for trade tariff negotiations has risen to 130. Talks with China on trade issues have also begun, informs Rapid Response.
"Right now, 130 countries — 130 countries — have responded, and we're negotiating with them," Hassett said.
He added that the process of resolving trade disputes with China is ongoing, but it is still in its early stages.
Furthermore, the US Department of Commerce also reported that a "nascent" dialogue on trade issues has begun between Washington and Beijing. This dialogue is being conducted through intermediaries.
Trump’s tariffs
On April 2, President Donald Trump announced the introduction of reciprocal tariffs against almost all US trading partners. The tariff rates ranged from 10% to 49%.
However, on April 9, when the tariffs were supposed to come into full effect, Trump suspended the implementation of the tariffs for 90 days. Meanwhile, the 10% tariff went into immediate effect. Moreover, Trump did not rule out another extension of the tariff pause. The exception to this scheme was China, against which no tariffs were lifted, and according to the latest data, tariffs on imports from China have increased to 145%.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that the US exempted smartphones, computers, and chips from tariffs. This exemption was made despite the overall tightening of tariffs on Chinese products.
