US and China agree to slash tariffs in surprise turn

Both sides to talk more on fentanyl smuggling, America's trade deficit

20250512 Bessent Greer He Lifeng

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, right, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer attend a news conference after trade talks with China in Geneva on May 12. © Reuters

STELLA YIFAN XIE and WATARU SUZUKI

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI --The U.S. and China on Monday agreed to slash tariffs temporarily on each other's goods, marking a major turning point in a tit-for-tat trade war that threatens to upend the global economy.

In a joint statement, the U.S. government said it will lower tariffs on Chinese imports to 30% for 90 days from the current rate of 145%. China will reduce its 125% levies on American goods to 10% during the same period, as both sides continue negotiations. The new measures will take effect on May 14.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.