Trump says U.S. in tariff negotiations with China, confident trade war will conclude with a ‘very good deal’

WASHINGTON, April 18 — President Donald Trump said yesterday that the United States is currently engaged in tariff discussions with China and expressed optimism that both economic giants will eventually reach a strong agreement to resolve the ongoing trade war.

“Yes, we’re talking to China,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “They’ve reached out several times.”

He confirmed that these discussions have taken place following his decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent, a move made after Beijing retaliated against his sweeping global tariff initiative dubbed “Liberation Day.”

However, Trump was evasive when questioned about whether he had directly communicated with Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite previously suggesting such contact.

“I’ve never confirmed whether those conversations took place,” he said. “It’s not appropriate to discuss.”

When pressed further on whether Xi had personally reached out, Trump responded, “It should be fairly obvious that he has — but we’ll talk more about that soon.”

The Trump administration remains embroiled in a high-stakes tariff battle with China, which has rattled global markets and investor confidence.

Still, Trump remained upbeat: “I think we’re going to strike a very good deal with China,” he said earlier during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which also focused on resolving U.S. tariffs on the European Union. — AFP