Chinese exporters get goods moving, again

CHINA-BASED SHIPPING agents have resumed buying container space for goods headed for America after a series of US tariff-induced cancellations, as Beijing and Washington head for trade talks in Switzerland.

- REUTERS

US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump floated an 80% tariff on China ahead of negotiations due to begin Saturday as he urged Beijing to do more to open their markets to US goods.

"80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B," Trump said in a social-media post Friday morning, referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

"CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA — WOULD BE SO GOOD FORTHEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON'T WORK ANYMORE!!!" he said in a separate post.

Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to begin talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Switzerland this weekend, the first public discussions between the world's two largest economies on defusing a trade war that has seen Trump impose 145% levies on China and

Trade between the world's two largest economies has slumped since US President Donald Trump imposed 145% tariffs on China-made goods on April 10, a move which prompted China to impose levies of 125% on US-made products.