China and the U.S. Still Not Talking Tariffs: Not Even a 'Negotiation About the Negotiation?'

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: MEDIAite

May 5th, 2025, 6:42 pm


CNBC’s Sara Eisen spoke to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday and pressed him on whether or not any progress has been made in negotiations to ease the massive trade tariffs placed by President Donald Trump on China. “But China is key. I know you set it aside. And you’re heavily involved here. You have said they need to de-escalate and start that process for us to get going on trade talks. Have they made any effort at this point?” Eisen asked during the lengthy interview.

“I think that, I think we could see substantial progress in the coming weeks. We will see that, as I think it’s Stein’s Law, that which is not sustainable doesn’t continue. So, 145 percent, 125 percent tariff levels are the equivalent of an embargo,” Bessent noted.

“Yes,” Eisen agreed. “And we’re reading every day what’s happening with factories in China. And from an academic point of view, I can tell you that the history of trade battles, we are the deficit country. The surplus country always has the most to lose,” Bessent added. “Right. So, they need to make more gestures? What is it that you’re looking for? And is that happening? Is there a negotiation about the negotiation?” Eisen prodded.

“Yes, we will see over the coming weeks. And we will see what President Trump wants to accept,” Bessent replied. “Right. I mean, have they offered anything on the fentanyl, for instance, precursor ingredients?” Eisen pressed again, trying to understand if any talks were taking place. “It’s only what they have said publicly.

Read more: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/bessent-indirectly-confirms-on-cnbc-china-and-the-u-s-still-not-talking-tariffs-not-even-a-negotiation-about-the-negotiation/

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Full headline: Bessent Indirectly Confirms to CNBC China and the U.S. Still Not Talking Tariffs: Not Even a ‘Negotiation About the Negotiation?’