US-China trade talks have stalled after a meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, where top officials failed to agree on extending a 90-day tariff pause. The latest round of talks comes as the US has introduced new reciprocal tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, with most nations facing higher duties.
The US has also imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods, including rare earth minerals essential for manufacturing industries, as part of its efforts to address what it deems unfair trade practices by Beijing. The move is seen as an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations with China.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the meetings were “very constructive” but that nothing was agreed until President Trump gave his approval. Chinese officials have also expressed optimism about the talks, describing them as “candid and constructive exchanges”.
The stalled talks raise concerns about global supply chains facing renewed turmoil if US-China tariffs restart at triple-digit levels. Experts say a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could pave the way for a potential agreement.
Trump recently concluded trade deals with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, marking a significant shift in his approach to international trade negotiations.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/8/1/in-the-wake-of-new-tariffs-how-are-us-china-trade-talks-going