1: Breaking News The US and China are poised to extend their tariff truce by 90 days as high-stakes negotiations kick off in Stockholm.
2: What’s at Stake? Without a deal, US tariffs would jump to 145% and China’s to 125%. The truce keeps tariffs at a 10% baseline, avoiding a return to punishing peak levels seen earlier this year.
3: Who’s at the Table? US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng open their third round of talks in Sweden, aiming to secure the extension before the current pause expires on August 12.
4: What Are They Discussing? Issues go beyond tariffs. The US is pushing China to boost domestic consumption. China wants lower US tariffs, now totaling as much as 55% on most of its goods.
5: National Security Matters The talks may also address China’s purchases of Russian and Iranian oil, as the US links trade policy with broader security concerns.
6: Market Impact A truce extension calms global markets, averting chaos in supply chains and price spikes for critical goods.
7: Trump-Xi Meeting Ahead? Speculation is mounting about a potential meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping later this year—Stockholm could help pave the way.
8: What’s Next? If talks succeed, negotiators gain precious time for deeper reforms. Without a deal, expect renewed tariffs and a rocky road for global trade.