US-China Trade Talks Stalled Await Trump-Xi Direct Talks

U.S.-China trade negotiations have stalled since the temporary tariff truce agreed upon earlier this month, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasizing that direct involvement from President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely be necessary to break the deadlock. Although further talks are expected in the coming weeks, the complexity and magnitude of the negotiations require both leaders to weigh in personally. The Trump administration has also intensified pressure on China through visa revocations for Chinese students and restrictions on semiconductor software exports. Meanwhile, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled most of Trump's tariffs illegal, but an appellate court has temporarily reinstated them during the appeal process. Despite these challenges, Bessent remains optimistic about concluding major trade deals with other partners such as Japan and the European Union, with talks ongoing and efforts to bring the EU back to the negotiating table after tariff threats. Overall, while progress with China has slowed, engagement with other global trade partners continues actively.