Chinese Trade Minister Visits Washington for Discussions on Tariffs Amid Global Anticipation

Chinese Trade Representative, Li Qinggang, made an official visit to the United States from August 27 to 29, where he held a series of meetings with high-level American officials. The visit came following a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Saturday, August 30.

During his meeting with representatives from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Li discussed ways to implement previous agreements between the two countries and sought solutions regarding the applied tariff policies, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Li stated during the discussions: "Both sides must manage their differences and expand cooperation through dialogue and consultation on an equal footing."

This visit comes at a time when economists and traders on both sides of the Pacific are awaiting the fate of the applied tariffs, and whether the recent extension made in August will become permanent, or if the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will impose a new round of tariffs, which could cause new disruptions in global supply chains.

It is worth noting that the two countries agreed on August 11 to extend the tariff truce between them for an additional 90 days, while maintaining a 30% tariff on Chinese imports and 10% on American goods.

In a related context, American retailers are preparing to stock up on goods ahead of the year-end holiday season, while Chinese producers express their concerns about the implications of continued high tariffs, indicating that they are operating in a "survival mode" and seeking alternative markets.

Economists have warned that exceeding a tariff rate of 35% would make it "costly" for Chinese exporters, which could deepen losses and prolong the trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.