The Trump administration is set to put in writing Tuesday that it will not be raising tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this month, officially halting a planned increase in the levy to 25 percent, up from 10 percent, to allow for further talks between trade negotiators.
The U.S. trade representative’s announcement, set to be published in the Federal Register, also says that the administration is “postponing” the increase “until further notice.”
President Trump had originally set a deadline of March 2 for China to accede to U.S. demands in trade negotiations or face higher tariffs. But the administration backed off that deadline after recent talks to give the two sides more time to reach a deal. The notice set to be published Tuesday indicates there will not be another deadline.
Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss trade further.
Trump tweeted this week that talks were “in advanced stages.”
China Trade Deal (and more) in advanced stages. Relationship between our two Countries is very strong. I have therefore agreed to delay U.S. tariff hikes. Let’s see what happens?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2019
“Let’s see what happens?” he said.
