According to Reuters, the trade conflict between the two economic giants began this year immediately after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. The American side introduced a series of tariffs on imports from China, explaining this by the need to reduce the trade deficit, return production to the country and combat the illegal circulation of fentanyl.
Chronology of the 2025 trade war
- 21 January – The day after taking office, Trump threatened a 10% tariff on Chinese imports due to the fentanyl problem.
- 1 February – The US imposed a 10% tariff on goods from China and a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada.
- 4 February – China responded with measures against American companies, as well as raising tariffs on energy resources and restricting exports of strategic metals.
- 3–4 March – mutual tariff increases and the introduction of restrictions on imports of agricultural products, technology and equipment.
- 2–11 April – sharp escalation: the US raised tariffs on Chinese imports first to 34%, then to 84% and even to 125%, and China responded with mirror actions and additional sanctions.
- 10–12 May – key negotiations took place in Geneva, resulting in the parties agreeing to a 90-day truce: the US reduced tariffs from 145% to 30%, China from 125% to 10%, and also undertook to remove non-tariff restrictions introduced in April.
- June–July – A series of negotiations and agreements on the export of rare earth metals and high-tech products, including Nvidia H20 chips.
- 11 August – The US and China agreed to extend the tariff truce for another 90 days.
What next?
Although both sides describe the negotiations as ‘constructive’, key differences remain. The extension of the truce gives businesses some respite, but does not guarantee a final resolution of the conflict. The US expects China to increase purchases of American agricultural products, while Beijing insists on the removal of export restrictions and the lifting of sanctions against Chinese companies.
PigUA.info based on materials from thepigsite.com