The Trump administration is fully engaged in talks with China on trade issues, a top official said Tuesday. The increase in activity comes ahead of a meeting set for next week between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina
“First of all, we are again talking with China and I think that is very, very, very positive,” Larry Kudlow, economic adviser to the president, said in an interview on CNBC, adding that the talks were happening “at all levels” of government.
Trump had indicated earlier in the month that relations had warmed between the countries. “Just had a long and very good conversation with President Xi Jinping of China,” Trump tweeted Nov. 1. “We talked about many subjects, with a heavy emphasis on Trade. Those discussions are moving along nicely with meetings being scheduled at the G-20 in Argentina. Also had good discussion on North Korea!”
[More: Trump could roll out China tariffs in December: Report]
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke to his Chinese counterpart Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Administration sources have leaked to news agencies last week that tariffs covering as much as $257 billion worth of Chinese goods could be announced next month. The U.S. has already hit $250 billion worth of Chinese goods with tariffs ranging from 10 to 25 percent. The tariffs are set to hit 25 percent across the board next year. Placing the total covered with tariffs at a half-trillion would cover all imports to the U.S.
The additional tariffs may come if little progress is made when Trump meets with Jinping at the G-20 summit in Argentina. The White House has expressed cautious optimism that the meeting could ease tension.
