AS-China "Damai" Perang Dagang, Saling Turunkan Ego Tarif Impor

Summary

In May 2025, the U.S. and China made a major move toward peace in their ongoing trade war. Both countries agreed to suspend tariffs and resume frozen negotiations, signaling a shift in their economic standoff. While some tariffs remain, the U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese imports, and China will lower duties on U.S. goods. The agreement follows years of tension and showcases a commitment to resolving trade imbalances, with both sides eager to avoid a total decoupling. Despite the positive shift, uncertainties linger, particularly regarding long-term stability and future negotiations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The US-China trade war has seen significant progress with both countries agreeing to temporarily reduce tariffs for 90 days, beginning in May 2025.
• 😀 US President Donald Trump stated that the goal was never to hurt China, emphasizing that the relationship between the two countries remains positive despite the trade tensions.
• 😀 China was facing considerable economic pressure, including factory closures and social unrest, which made them more willing to negotiate.
• 😀 A major breakthrough in the talks took place in Geneva, where the US and China agreed to suspend tariffs and restart negotiations that had previously stalled.
• 😀 Despite not eliminating all tariffs, the agreement marked an important shift with the US agreeing to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China reduced tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%.
• 😀 US and Chinese negotiators, including officials from the US Treasury and Chinese government, discussed long-term cooperation and managing differences through dialogue.
• 😀 The trade deal also focused on reducing the US trade deficit with China, with a commitment for China to purchase more American products.
• 😀 China agreed to address the fentanyl crisis by taking stronger action against precursor chemicals, which are contributing to the opioid epidemic in the US.
• 😀 Experts consider the agreement a step back from Trump’s previously aggressive stance, as it did not address currency imbalances or other structural trade issues.
• 😀 Market reactions were positive, with stock indices like the S&P 500 rising significantly, signaling optimism about the potential for a more stable economic relationship between the two countries.

Q & A

What significant development occurred in the US-China trade war in May 2025?

In May 2025, the United States and China took a significant step towards peace in their trade war by agreeing to suspend tariffs and reopen negotiations that had been stalled.

What is the main purpose of the US's tariffs on China, according to President Trump?

President Trump stated that the purpose of the US tariffs on China was not to harm China, but to push Chinese companies to relocate manufacturing back to the United States, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, steel, and automobiles.

What change in tariffs did the US and China agree upon in May 2025?

The US agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China lowered tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%. This move brought tariffs closer to the levels before President Trump's major tariff increases in April 2025.

What did the US and Chinese officials emphasize during their negotiations?

US and Chinese officials emphasized that both countries had mutual interests and did not want a complete separation. They expressed a desire for more balanced trade and a continued, positive relationship.

What were the key topics of discussion during the US-China negotiations?

Key topics included trade imbalances, the potential for China to purchase more US products to reduce the trade deficit, and the need for China to take stronger action against precursor chemicals for fentanyl, which has caused a crisis in the US.

How did China respond to the trade negotiations with the US?

China expressed a commitment to building a stable economic relationship with the US, stating they were ready to cooperate actively to implement the agreement and manage differences through honest dialogue and equal consultations.

What did experts think of the US-China trade agreement in May 2025?

Experts viewed the agreement as a significant shift from the aggressive stance of the Trump administration, as it did not address issues like currency imbalances or trade practices. However, the deal was still seen as a positive step toward stabilizing global trade.

How did the market react to the US-China trade agreement?

The market reacted positively, with major stock indices like the S&P 500 in New York and the Hong Kong index rising by about 3% in response to the news of the trade agreement.

What concerns remain despite the positive developments in the trade talks?

Despite the positive steps, there are concerns about the temporary nature of the tariff suspension and the potential for future political disruptions that could affect global trade stability.

What was China's position on its involvement in the trade agreement?

China was cautious not to frame its involvement in the agreement as a sign of weakness. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared historical references, such as China's stance during the Korean War, to show their strength and resilience in face of pressure.