China has exempted some US imports from its 125% tariffs, urging firms to identify critical goods they need levy-free.
The exemptions, which reportedly followed de-escalatory statements from Washington, signaled that the world’s two largest economies were prepared to rein in their conflict, which had frozen much of the trade between them, raising fears of a global recession.
Beijing’s exemptions, which business groups hope would extend to dozens of industries, pushed the US dollar up slightly and lifted equity markets in Hong Kong and Japan.
“As a quid-pro-quo move, it could provide a potential way to de-escalate tensions. It’s clear that neither the U.S. nor China want to be the first in reaching out for a deal, a senior adviser to the Conference Board’s China Center, a think tank, Alfredo Montufar-Helu said.
Speaking in an interview with TIME magazine, US President Donald Trump said US-China talks were taking place on tariffs, stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. Beijing has so far disputed the US characterization of talks.
“He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf,” Trump said without revealing when Xi called or what the two leaders discussed.
The tariff exemptions under consideration by Beijing could provide cost relief for companies in China and take pressure off US exports at a time when the Trump administration has shown signs of wanting to make a deal with Beijing.
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China also said it had raised the issue of tariff exemptions with the commerce ministry and was awaiting a response.