Trump Says China Reaching Out for Talks, Signals Openness to Trade Compromise

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that China has made multiple overtures for renewed negotiations following Washington’s recent decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, and expressed confidence that a compromise between the two economic giants could still be reached.

“We’re talking to China,” Trump told reporters. “We’ve had a number of contacts. They want to talk.”

The president added that he has no current plans to increase tariffs further, signaling a potential cooling of tensions after weeks of aggressive trade posturing.

Earlier in the week, Trump had appeared to adopt a firmer tone, saying he was waiting for China to “blink first” in the escalating trade standoff.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, White House spokesperson Alan Leavitt emphasized that the U.S. remained open to resolving the dispute.

“The ball is in China’s court: China needs to make a deal with us, we don’t have to make a deal with them,” Leavitt said. “The president has made it quite clear that he’s open to a deal with China.”

The comments mark a notable shift in tone and come amid rising global concern over the economic impact of prolonged trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Investors will now be watching closely for signs of formal negotiation or de-escalation.