Amid an intensifying trade and diplomatic confrontation between Washington and Beijing, United States President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced confidence that a favourable trade deal with China could soon be secured, even as his administration sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese imports.
“We’re going to make a deal. I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China,” Trump said.
His remarks came after the US raised tariffs on Chinese goods to as much as 245 per cent, up from a previous ceiling of 145 per cent, in retaliation to what it described as “unjustified” Chinese trade barriers.
Speaking to reporters at the White House during the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the President also expressed confidence about reaching trade agreements with other international partners.
“America would have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else,” Trump declared.
Trump’s administration is currently seeking to reach a trade agreement with the European Union before a 90-day moratorium on reciprocal tariffs expires.
“We’re hopeful that consensus will emerge before that deadline,” the President said, pointing to the importance of strengthening transatlantic trade ties.
A fact sheet released by the White House stated that the Chinese government’s retaliatory tariffs have led to steep new duties on goods entering the United States, now reaching as high as 245 per cent.
The move has prompted fresh concerns among businesses and trade analysts about the intensification of the economic conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday pushed back against the American characterisation of the situation.
Spokesperson Lin Jian said that queries regarding the “specific tax rate figures” should be directed to Washington, while reaffirming China’s official position on the issue.
“China has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue,” Lin said during a press briefing. “This tariff war was started by the United States. China has taken lawful and justified countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, as well as international fairness and justice.”
He went on to argue that the principle of mutual respect had been ignored by Washington and cautioned that trade wars yielded no winners. “China does not wish to fight these wars,” Lin stated, “but we are not afraid of them either.”
Diplomatic observers have noted that the spiralling tariff actions have increasingly disrupted global supply chains and business operations on both sides of the Pacific.
Economists warn that sustained escalation may further dent consumer sentiment and corporate confidence across multiple sectors.
Despite the harsh rhetoric and punitive duties, President Trump remained characteristically bullish. “We’ve been taken advantage of for decades, and that’s changing now,” he said. “The American worker will no longer be ignored.”
In contrast, Beijing has sought to project calm determination, suggesting that it remains open to dialogue but will not compromise on what it considers to be core economic interests.
The current standoff marks one of the most severe episodes in the ongoing trade conflict, which began during Trump’s first term and has continued into his current tenure.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the two global powers can find common ground—or plunge deeper into economic confrontation.
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