Trump hints at reducing tariffs on China... Is the end of the trade war approaching?

In a move reflecting the ongoing tension in trade relations between the world's two largest economies, the White House emphasized today, Friday, that President Donald Trump will not reduce tariffs on Chinese goods unilaterally unless Beijing makes tangible concessions. This official stance came hours after a surprising statement by Trump suggesting a reduction in tariffs from 145% to 80%, as part of preparations for anticipated talks with Chinese officials in Switzerland. Caroline Levitt, White House spokesperson, stated that Trump's proposed figure is just a suggestion, adding: "We will see what happens over the weekend." Trump himself expressed on his platform "Truth Social" saying: "80% on China seems like the right decision!", indicating that the matter is left to the chief negotiator, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Piesent, who will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng this week in Geneva in an attempt to ease escalating tensions in global markets. Amid anticipation, Trump wrote another post emphatically stating: "China must open its market to the United States, it would be very beneficial for them!! Closed markets are no longer profitable!!" hinting at the necessity for Beijing to change its closed economic approach if it desires a stable trade relationship with Washington. Despite the escalating rhetoric, official Chinese data showed that its global exports increased in April, ignoring the impact of U.S. tariffs, while Beijing responded by imposing a 125% tariff on American goods. It appears that both sides are using pressure tactics ahead of the upcoming meeting, with indications that changes in tariffs may be on the table, but conditional on achieving a balance in concessions.