US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that reaching a trade agreement with China remained “extremely hard,” even as officials from the European Union and the United States reported progress in their trade discussions, despite Trump’s recent decision to double metal tariffs.
These developments unfolded as ministers from OECD countries convened in Paris to assess the global economic outlook amid ongoing trade tensions.
Despite suggestions from the White House that Trump might speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week—raising hopes for de-escalation—Trump appeared to temper expectations for a swift resolution.
On his Truth Social platform, he posted, “I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!”
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian maintained that Beijing’s “principles and stance on developing Sino-US relations are consistent.”
China was a primary target of Trump’s April tariff blitz, facing 145 per cent levies on its goods, which triggered reciprocal 125 per cent tariffs on US imports. Both nations had agreed to a temporary de-escalation in May, with Trump delaying most broader measures until July 9.
Hours after Trump increased tariffs on aluminium and steel from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, exempting Britain from the higher levy, EU and US trade officials touted positive developments in their negotiations.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, following talks with EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic in Paris, confirmed the negotiations were “advancing quickly,” describing the meeting as “very constructive” and indicative of the EU’s willingness to work towards “reciprocal trade.”
Sefcovic, while acknowledging that the doubled metal tariffs “don’t help the negotiations,” affirmed that both sides were “making progress” and expressed optimism for a “positive result” before the July 9 deadline, when EU goods face 50 per cent tariffs unless a deal is struck.
The US-EU meeting occurred a day after the OECD downgraded its global economic growth forecast, attributing the revision to Trump’s tariff policies.
French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin stressed the need to “keep our cool” and recognise that tariffs serve no one’s interest.
Meanwhile, the UK confirmed its imports would remain at 25 per cent following recent talks, working towards a new trade pact.
Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced that Mexico would seek an exemption from the higher tariffs, arguing it was unfair given that the US exports more steel to Mexico than it imports.
The White House has confirmed sending letters to governments, urging them to submit offers by Wednesday as the July 9 deadline approaches.
