Beijing, February 5 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump is set to have a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Peter Navarro, a senior trade advisor to Trump, as reported by Al Jazeera on Tuesday.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the call would take place “soon,” but did not provide an exact date for the discussion.
At the same time, China has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in response to recent trade measures taken by the U.S. Beijing will impose a 15 percent tariff on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, following a U.S. decision to impose a 10 percent tariff on Chinese products. Additionally, China’s Ministry of Finance revealed on Tuesday that a 10 percent tariff will apply to U.S. imports such as crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain vehicles like large-displacement and pick-up trucks.
These retaliatory actions from China are in response to what it calls the “unilateral tariff hike” by the U.S., which, according to the Ministry of Finance, violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, fails to address the U.S.’s domestic issues, and disrupts normal economic exchanges between the two nations. The new tariffs will go into effect on February 10.
The announcement of these tariffs came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would soon speak with President Xi Jinping.
Julien Chaisse, an expert in international economic law at the City University of Hong Kong, explained that China’s retaliatory measures represent a calculated response, signaling Beijing’s intent to impose economic consequences while still leaving room for negotiations. The strategic timing of the February 10 start date could allow for a diplomatic discussion between Trump and Xi before the tariffs take effect. This might allow for last-minute adjustments, partial exemptions, or reciprocal actions that could prevent further escalation of trade tensions.
The U.S.’s response to these measures will be crucial, as it could either pave the way for more discussions or lead to intensified trade restrictions, depending on how Washington perceives China‘s actions.
China has been vocal in condemning Trump’s decision to impose tariffs but has also indicated its willingness to negotiate in order to avoid worsening tensions.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have agreed to suspend U.S. tariffs for 30 days following an agreement with Trump. The two leaders have committed to deploying police to their borders to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
A senior trade adviser to Trump praised Mexico for its cooperation in addressing the influx of fentanyl into the U.S., and acknowledged that Canada has begun to take stronger actions. Navarro expressed concern over the growth of Mexican cartels in Canada, which has led to Canada being a significant source of small, duty-free drug shipments to the U.S. under the de minimus exemption.
In another development, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele proposed that his country take in U.S. convicted criminals in exchange for a fee. Bukele offered to house U.S. criminals, including U.S. citizens, in El Salvador’s mega-prison (CECOT), making it a sustainable option for the country’s prison system.
