US President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions with China, claiming that Beijing “totally violated” a recent agreement to pause tariffs. The statement, shared on Truth Social, comes as negotiations between the two nations appear stalled.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed in a Fox News interview that trade talks with China had hit a roadblock. Just weeks ago, both countries had agreed to a 90-day pause on escalating tariffs following discussions in Geneva.
Trump criticized China without offering specifics, but US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer supported the accusation. Speaking on CNBC, Greer accused China of restricting access to critical minerals and pointed to the persistent US trade deficit with Beijing.
Bessent hinted that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping might speak directly to resolve the impasse. However, tensions remain high. Since returning to the office in January, Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on several countries, with Chinese goods facing some of the steepest rates.
Earlier this month, the US reduced its additional tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China cut its retaliatory duties from 125% to 10%. Despite the reductions, US tariffs remain higher, partly due to a 20% surcharge linked to allegations of China’s role in the illicit drug trade—an accusation Beijing denies.
The high tariff rates have disrupted trade, with many businesses pausing cross-border shipments in anticipation of further talks.
Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff strategy is facing legal scrutiny. A trade court recently ruled that the president overstepped his powers in imposing sweeping levies. Although that decision has been temporarily halted pending appeal, it could limit future tariff actions. Tariffs on specific sectors like steel and automobiles remain in effect.
