Trump and Xi Set Stage for High-Stakes U.S.–China Trade Talks in London

Image Source – CNN

U.S. and Chinese officials are to meet in London on June 9, 2025, for decisive trade talks, after a highly encouraging June 5 telephone conversation between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The 90-minute conversation was billed as “very positive,” with Trump being upbeat that the talks “should go very well.” The U.S. team, spearheaded by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, seeks to resolve tariff tensions and gain rare earth mineral supplies.

China’s Foreign Ministry stated that Xi called on the U.S. to roll back “negative measures” affecting Beijing. This meeting is a follow-up on a May 2025 Geneva accord, which reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese products from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs from 125% to 10% on certain items. London talks are critical for reducing trade tensions and stabilizing key supply chains. Both countries want to weigh economic cooperation against strategic considerations, and global markets are keenly observing in hopes of results that could redefine bilateral trade relations.

Talks Background

Following the May 2025 Geneva accord, U.S. tariffs dropped from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs from 125% to 10% on select goods. The London meeting builds on this to tackle ongoing tariff issues and secure rare earth supplies.

Key Negotiators

The U.S. team features Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Xi Jinping has urged the U.S. to ease “negative measures” impacting Beijing.

Trade Impact

These talks aim to ease tensions, stabilize supply chains, and influence global markets, balancing economic ties with strategic goals.

Key Citations :

1. https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/us-news/story/london-showdown-us-and-china-set-for-new-round-of-trade-talks-on-monday-glbs-2737094-2025-06-07
   
2. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-us-trade-talks-begin-geneva-2025-05-10/
   
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/10/business/us-china-talks-trump-tariffs.html