Before the upcoming trade talks between China and the United States, President Trump stated that tariffs on Chinese goods could be reduced from the current 145% to 80%. According to foreign media reports, Chinese shipping agents have resumed purchasing container slots for shipping goods to the U.S. after a series of order cancellations. Exporters have mentioned their readiness to resume shipping to the U.S. in the next few weeks.
Reuters reported on May 9th from Shanghai, indicating that faced with escalating tariffs and uncertain conditions, Chinese shipping agents had canceled a number of orders. Four Chinese exporters have confirmed that they are preparing to resume shipments to the U.S. in the coming weeks, with some supplying large retailers like Walmart.
Ms. Liu, a second-generation toy manufacturer from the export center Dongguan in mainland China, expressed anticipation for a potential easing of the tariff situation this month. “We are clearly all expecting a softening in the (tariff) situation this month. I believe it will happen,” she said.
Additionally, the report cited two unnamed senior executives of freight forwarding companies based in China saying that since late April, traders have been ramping up their capacity purchases, securing container slots starting from mid-May.
Affected by the trade war, the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China shows that Chinese exports to the U.S. decreased by 21% year-on-year in April, marking the largest drop since July 2023.
Following President Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs, China retaliated by imposing high tariffs as well. On May 9th, Trump took to social media urging China to open its markets to the U.S. He also hinted at the intention to reduce tariffs on China from 145% to 80%.
The White House emphasized that President Trump remains firm on his stance: the U.S. will not unilaterally reduce tariffs on China without concessions from the Chinese side.
On May 10th, representatives from the U.S. and China met in Switzerland. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with a delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng from the State Council for discussions.