Washington concluded a weekend of trade discussions with China in Geneva, Switzerland, feeling optimistic, as both US and Chinese officials reported "progress."
Top economic and trade advisors for US President Donald Trump have appeared on various media outlets to declare that everything is proceeding as planned and that the president's unconventional approach to trade negotiations is proving effective.
Kevin Hassett, the top economic advisor at the White House, told Fox News: "It seems that the Chinese are extremely eager to engage and to restore normalcy."
What details do we have regarding the discussions?
The US delegation was led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, while China was represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng and his team.
After the negotiations concluded on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Bessent remarked on the "high level of productivity."
"I'm pleased to report that we've achieved significant progress in the crucial trade discussions between the United States and China," he stated.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer mentioned: "It's important to recognize how swiftly we reached an agreement, which suggests that the gaps may not have been as wide as initially perceived."
A statement released by Bessent and Greer on Sunday was lacking in specifics, which the US team indicated would be elaborated upon at an official briefing scheduled for Monday morning.
Later on Sunday, Vice Premier He also conveyed optimism regarding the talks, highlighting "important progress."
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, He noted that the talks' atmosphere had been open, thorough, and meaningful. He added that further details would be shared in a joint statement on Monday, mirroring Bessent's assurance.
US optimism about tariffs emerges as partners lodge complaints with the WTO.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated on Sunday that the purpose of the discussions was to "de-escalate" the tension between the two largest economies in the world.
These negotiations followed Trump imposing a 145% tariff on China, to which Beijing retaliated with a 125% tariff on US goods, as part of a global effort aimed at rectifying perceived trade imbalances held by the US worldwide.
Interestingly, Geneva is also the base for the World Trade Organization (WTO), where multiple nations and the European Union have lodged complaints against Trump's strategies, claiming that his tariffs breach WTO regulations.
Trump remarked that "great progress" has been made thus far, asserting that "many topics were discussed, and much was agreed upon."
Commerce Secretary Lutnick conveyed his "optimism" without providing further information.
Earlier in the week, Washington and London revealed a trade agreement that Trump applauded as a "breakthrough" and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer referred to as "historic," although no conclusive deal has yet been finalized, just a commitment to complete one.
