China, US begin tariff talks in Switzerland in bid to ease trade war

Low hopes for breakthrough, but Switzerland eyes ‘roadmap’ to reduce tensions

China’s top trade envoy, He Lifeng, met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Geneva on Saturday, marking the first official talks aimed at easing a trade war that has rattled global markets.

The meeting took place at a confidential location in Switzerland, according to China’s Xinhua news agency. This is the first formal dialogue since the US imposed a steep 145% tariff on Chinese imports, triggering a swift response from Beijing with a 125% duty on American goods.

A motorcade was seen departing the Swiss ambassador’s residence in Cologny, outside Geneva, signaling the end of the initial two-hour discussion, reported the Associated Press. Delegates then headed to a pre-arranged luncheon, a diplomatic source told AP on condition of anonymity.

The trade standoff began last month after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs, sparking widespread concern. Countries have been given a 90-day window to negotiate, and experts suggest China may seek the same grace period alongside a reduction in the tariff rate.

President Trump hinted on Truth Social that lowering the tariff to 80% might be “reasonable.” However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the US won’t ease tariffs without reciprocal concessions from China.

Treasury Secretary Bessent emphasized the talks were focused on “de-escalation.”

“The best outcome would be for both sides to step back from the high tariffs together,” said Sun Yun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, DC. “Even a small reduction would send a positive signal. But it has to be more than just words.”

Analysts remain cautious, with many saying a breakthrough is unlikely in this first round. Still, Switzerland hopes the talks can lay the groundwork for a future roadmap toward resolving the dispute.