The United States and China begin negotiations in Switzerland to de-escalate the trade war.

 

Geneva, Switzerland, was the scene of the first formal meeting between United States y China amid a context of secrecy and expectations of "great progress." This Saturday, both countries began a round of direct negotiations with the aim of reducing tensions in the trade war between them, marked by the imposition of historic tariffs. Washington currently applies a 145 % to Chinese products, while Beijing responds with a 125 % to American imports.

 

Context and protagonists

 

The meeting took place at the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the UN and marks the first high-level meeting since President Donald Trump reactivated the tariff offensive after his return to the White House. The delegations were led by the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and the Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, while on the Chinese side, the Vice Prime Minister led He LifengSwitzerland acted as host country and mediator, playing a "good offices" role requested by both parties. The Swiss Minister of Economy, Guy Parmelin, stressed: “Switzerland is always active in matters of good offices, not only in bloodshed, but also in this case of a trade war.”

 

Statements and atmosphere after the first day

 

The meeting was a day of secrecy; no specific details about the talks were provided, nor was any press access granted. However, President Trump praised the meeting on his Truth Social network:

 

 

“We had an excellent meeting today with China in Switzerland. Many issues were discussed and many agreements reached. A complete reset was negotiated in a friendly but constructive manner. We want to see, for the benefit of both China and the US, an opening of China to American companies. Great progress!”

 

 

For her part, White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, underlined the US position by demanding concrete progress:

 

 

“We need to see concessions from them as well.”

 

 

Before the meeting, Trump had reiterated his hard line: “An 80% tariff on China seems about right.”

 

Next steps and expectations

 

Talks will continue this Sunday with the aim of defining the terms for a possible agreement that would reduce tariffs and stabilize international markets. The Treasury Secretary had already warned before the trip that he did not expect to close an immediate agreement but rather "to define the terms of the talks."

 

Meanwhile, the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO) hailed the meeting as "a positive and constructive step toward reducing tensions."

 

Economic impact

 

The trade war has had notable consequences: US GDP contracted by 0,3 % annualized in the first quarter due to an increase in imports and a decrease in public spending. In contrast, China comes into this negotiation with favorable data; its exports grew by 8% in April against a fall of 21 % in US exports during the same period.

 

The negotiations in Switzerland represent a first step toward a possible truce in this trade war; however, both the specific details and the final outcome remain to be determined.