Trump Asserts China’s Strong Desire for Trade Agreement Ahead of Swiss Talks

President Donald Trump has indicated that China is keen to finalize a trade agreement with the United States. This assessment comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prepares to initiate trade negotiations in Switzerland on Saturday, amidst an escalating tariff conflict between Washington and Beijing.

During a press briefing at the White House, Trump stated, “Scott’s going to be going to Switzerland, meeting with China. And you know, they very much want to make a deal. We can all play games. Who made the first call, who didn’t make them? It doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what happens in that room. But I will tell you that China very much wants to make a deal. We’ll see how that works out.”

Trump’s Vision for Fair Trade

On Air Force One, Trump expressed his wish for a “fair” trade deal with China, suggesting ongoing negotiations on various issues. His long-standing support for tariffs reflects his strategy to address the nation’s significant trade deficit, projected to reach a record $1.2 trillion in 2024. Trump and his administration believe that these tariffs will help restore American manufacturing jobs.

Potential Impact on Chinese Employment

Secretary Bessent warned in April that these tariffs could result in substantial job losses for China, potentially affecting up to 10 million workers. He emphasized that it is essential for Beijing to eliminate its current tariffs on U.S. imports in order to facilitate a resolution.

“I think that over time we will see that the Chinese tariffs are unsustainable for China. I’ve seen some very large numbers over the past few days that suggest if these tariffs remain, China could lose 10 million jobs very quickly,” Bessent disclosed to reporters at the White House on April 29. He further noted, “Even with a slight reduction in tariffs, they could still lose 5 million jobs.”

The Trade Imbalance

Bessent highlighted the trade imbalance, stating, “We are the deficit country. They sell almost five times more goods to us than we sell to them. So, the onus will be on them to remove these tariffs. They are unsustainable for them.” His remarks underscore the critical nature of the negotiations as both nations seek to balance their economic interests.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Trade Announcements

As U.S. officials engage in international discussions, Bessent informed lawmakers Tuesday that significant trade agreements could be unveiled as soon as this week. The anticipation surrounding these developments highlights the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts in achieving a more equitable trade landscape.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.