US Trade Representative Confirms 55% China Tariffs Remain While Seeking Balanced Trade Opportunities

Jamieson Greer expressed his stance that the current 55% tariffs on Chinese imports represent a "good status quo," while simultaneously indicating interest in expanding certain aspects of bilateral trade.

During his address at the Economic Club of New York on Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer suggested there would be no immediate reduction in President Donald Trump's Chinese tariffs ahead of the November 10 deadline when the current trade truce between the world's largest economies is set to expire.

"If you ask the president, 'Do we have a deal with China?' He would say, 'Yeah, this is our deal. I've got 55% tariffs on it. That's the deal.' So that is a good status quo," Greer stated clearly.

Nevertheless, Greer emphasized his desire to maintain regular dialogue with Chinese officials, aiming for a more balanced trade relationship. He specifically mentioned increasing trade in "non-sensitive goods," highlighting U.S. agricultural products and Chinese consumer goods as potential areas for growth.

"I would like to get to a position with them where...we can trade, and we can trade a little more freely and in a little more transparent kind of way," Greer explained during his remarks.

"But for now, that's where we are," he added, referencing the current 55% U.S. tariff rate implemented during Trump's first term, with China maintaining corresponding rates exceeding 10% on American imports.

Without an extension agreement between U.S. and Chinese officials, these rates would dramatically increase to approximately 145% for the U.S. and 125% for China on November 10—effectively halting all trade between the nations.

During mid-September negotiations in Madrid concerning trade and the Chinese video application TikTok, China's Vice Premier He Lifeng proposed U.S. tariff reductions in exchange for transferring TikTok's ownership control to a U.S.-based consortium. This proposal was rejected by both Greer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Greer noted that Chinese negotiators have been "feeling their oats a little bit more" due to China's leverage regarding global supplies of rare earth minerals and magnets, resulting in increased demands from their side.

He also observed that China's more confrontational "wolf warrior ethos" in diplomatic relations has begun affecting U.S.-China economic discussions, adding a "political edge" to previously more technical conversations.

"But we're, you know, we're working through it. We're meeting with them frequently," Greer assured.

He concluded by noting the mutual respect between both parties, emphasizing that strong communication channels are helping prevent policy surprises on either side.