China sees 'positive' outcomes as Trump's tariff deadline nears

Tariff truce between the world's two biggest economies remains in limbo, hours before higher tit-for-tat duties are due to return

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Beijing is looking to Washington for “positive” trade outcomes as a tariff truce between the world’s two biggest economies remains in limbo, hours before higher tit-for-tat duties are due to return.

While the United States and China slapped escalating tariffs on each other's products this year-reaching prohibitive triple-digit levels and snarling trade both countries in May agreed to temporarily lower these levels.

But their 90-day halt in steeper levies is due to expire Tuesday, with all eyes now on a path forward.

“We hope that the US will work with China to follow the important consensus reached during the phone call between the two heads of state,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian in a statement.

He added that Beijing also hopes Washington will “strive for positive outcomes on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit.” Although both sides reached a pact to deescalate tensions after high level talks in Geneva in May, their truce has been shaky.

In June, key economic officials convened in London as disagreements emerged and US officials accused their counterparts of violating the pact. Policymakers again met in Stockholm last month.

But even as both countries appeared to be seeking to push back the reinstatement of duties, US trade envoy Jamieson Greer said last month that President Donald Trump will have the “final call” on any such extension.

Last week, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an interview that it is likely Trump will further the pause by another 90 days.