U.S. Reaches Out to China for Tariff Talks Amid Trade Tensions

In a surprising shift, U.S. officials have reportedly reached out to their Chinese counterparts in an effort to open discussions over the mounting tariff war that has shaken global markets and disrupted supply chains.

According to Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese media outlet affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV, Washington is now “proactively” seeking dialogue with Beijing through “multiple channels.”

The economic standoff has intensified in recent weeks. In April, the United States implemented sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports, with some products facing levies as high as 145%. Beijing quickly retaliated, slapping 125% duties on a wide range of American goods.

These retaliatory measures have deepened market volatility and complicated trade logistics for businesses on both sides of the Pacific.

According to sources quoted by Yuyuan Tantian, the U.S. is appearing increasingly eager to restart negotiations.

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“From a negotiation standpoint, the U.S. is currently the more anxious party,” the outlet noted in a post on Weibo, China’s equivalent of X (formerly Twitter). The report added that the Trump administration is under “multiple pressures” as the trade battle escalates.

U.S. President Donald Trump has long asserted that China is keen to return to the negotiating table. During a recent NewsNation town hall, Trump maintained that there is a “very good chance” a deal could be made. “But we’re going to make it on our terms, and it’s got to be fair,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Chinese officials have consistently denied that any formal talks are underway. However, they have reiterated calls for Washington to engage in “fair, respectful, and reciprocal” dialogue—a message that signals Beijing’s openness to negotiation, albeit on its own terms.

With both economies feeling the weight of prolonged trade barriers and the global supply chain under strain, the possibility of renewed dialogue could offer a path toward de-escalation. Still, any movement toward a resolution is likely to be slow and politically fraught.

Whether these backchannel efforts will evolve into formal talks remains to be seen. For now, the world watches closely as the two largest economies navigate one of the most consequential trade disputes in recent history.