Toward a 'Fair Deal'? U.S.–China Trade Talks Hang in the Balance Amid Soaring Tariffs

Political

Economic

Summary:

President Trump has expressed optimism about a “fair trade deal” with China, but current dialogue remains stalled amid retaliatory tariffs that have raised U.S.-China import duties to historic levels, fueling prolonged trade tensions....

Optimism from the White House meets stalled negotiations

On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump reiterated his ambition for a “fair deal” with China during a press briefing in Washington. While affirming that progress was being made, he stopped short of confirming active negotiations, stating only that “everything is moving along.” Trump also clarified that any reduction in tariffs would depend on concrete actions by the Chinese leadership—highlighting the conditional nature of potential de-escalation.

Despite this rhetoric, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent contradicted the president's tone just hours later, confirming that no formal tariff negotiations had yet taken place. Speaking on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, Bessent emphasized that both countries appear to be waiting for the other to initiate dialogue. This discrepancy between public optimism and behind-the-scenes inaction underscores the fragility of the current diplomatic landscape.

Escalating tariffs threaten economic stability

The numbers tell a more severe story. The U.S. has now raised tariffs on Chinese goods from 84% to 125%, with an additional 20% levy on fentanyl-related imports bringing the total to 145%. In retaliation, China has imposed import tariffs of up to 125% on American goods. The latest figures from the U.S. government suggest that some Chinese imports now face effective duties of up to 245%.

These increases mark some of the highest bilateral tariff levels in recent history and signal a dramatic intensification of the trade conflict. The escalation demonstrates a clear causal relationship: as one side raises tariffs, the other responds in kind, creating a reinforcing cycle of economic strain and political brinkmanship. While framed as negotiation leverage, these measures are simultaneously undercutting the global trade framework that has long supported stable commercial exchange between the two powers.

Structural obstacles to a quick resolution

Treasury Secretary Bessent’s remarks hint at a broader range of issues beyond tariffs. Washington is increasingly concerned with non-tariff barriers and state subsidies in China, which complicate the trade equation. This multipronged challenge means that even if tariff issues are addressed, underlying structural disagreements—such as state-led industrial policy and intellectual property enforcement—may prolong the standoff.

Bessent also warned that any real rebalancing of U.S.–China trade could take two to three years. This timeline reflects a recognition that the current conflict is not merely tactical, but symptomatic of deeper, systemic dissonance in economic policy and global power alignment.

Beijing’s response: Mutual respect or no dialogue

From Beijing, the message remains firm. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded that the U.S. must end threats and commit to equal-footing dialogue if it genuinely seeks resolution. The emphasis on “mutual respect and mutual benefit” echoes a long-standing Chinese diplomatic position, yet also reflects Beijing’s growing reluctance to negotiate under duress.

This divergence in negotiation frameworks further clouds the outlook. While the U.S. appears focused on extracting unilateral concessions, China is demanding a return to more balanced diplomatic engagement. The correlation between rising tariffs and diminishing mutual trust is evident, pushing both sides further from compromise.

Fragile optimism amid entrenched positions

While President Trump’s public statements about a “fair deal” offer a glimmer of hope, the fundamental dynamics of the U.S.–China trade relationship remain deeply adversarial. With historic tariff levels in place and official talks still in limbo, any breakthrough will likely require strategic concessions and a reframing of expectations on both sides.

For now, the global economy watches warily as the world’s two largest economies edge closer to a prolonged trade cold war—one where economic friction, rather than diplomacy, continues to define the tone of engagement. The costs of this deadlock will not be confined to bilateral ties but will ripple across global markets already strained by uncertainty.

Source: Global Times

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

You understand and acknowledge that there is a high degree of risk involved in trading. Following any strategies or investment methods may lead to potential losses. The content on the site is provided by our contributors and analysts for information purposes only. You are solely responsible for determining whether any trading assets, securities, strategy, or any other product is suitable for investing based on your own investment objectives and financial situation.

Add to Favorites

FxPro

Cryptocurrency

Market Overview

The cryptocurrency market has corrected about 1.3% to $2.9 trillion from Wednesday’s peak but has been steadily adding over 8.5% over the past seven days. The market is bouncing off the long-term key level of $2.5 trillion, which previously acted as a significant area of resistance. Capitalisation has surpassed the recent peak, marking the breakdown of the downward resistance of the last three months. This is an important signal of the market’s willingness to move further upwards.

Bitcoin was climbing towards the $94,000 area during the week, more than 20k above the low point at the start of April. Reaching the recent highs aligned perfectly with the 161.8% Fibonacci extension from the initial bounce, fitting neatly into the pattern.

At the same time, it suggests a new short-term consolidation phase before an upward spurt. The technical target for a potential new rise is at $106,000, which is near the area of the first cryptocurrency’s historical highs. If the Fibonacci pattern works, we will see a third test of these levels.

News Background

Trump’s change in rhetoric has fuelled enthusiasm in the cryptocurrency market. According to Velo, total open positions soared 10% to $17.83bn. Funding rates also sharply moved from negative to positive.

Bitcoin will continue to grow if threats to the Fed’s independence persist, Standard Chartered expects. In such a scenario, the first cryptocurrency will play the role of a decentralised hedge against traditional financial systems.

According to the Financial Times, financial company Cantor Fitzgerald intends to create a $3 billion investment fund in Bitcoin. SoftBank, Tether, and Bitfinex are involved in the project, which aims to create a ‘public alternative’ to Strategy.

Trump Media, the parent company of President Trump’s social network Truth Social, intends to launch a crypto-ETF together with Crypto.com and Yorkville firm America Digital. Already having regulatory approval, partners expect to launch Truth.Fi–branded products by the end of the year.

Source: FxPro

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

UK faces direct fallout from U.S. trade war measures

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has issued a stark warning about the economic risks posed by the United States' evolving trade policies under former President Donald Trump. Speaking ahead of the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, Reeves emphasized that global trade is entering a new and uncertain era. She described the reintroduction of aggressive U.S. tariffs as a move that could deeply disrupt not only the global economy but also the UK's already vulnerable post-Brexit recovery.

This announcement arrives as the UK continues to face downward revisions in its growth forecasts — a trend that aligns with the anticipated impact of increased U.S. import taxes. The relationship between Trump’s trade policy shifts and Britain’s economic performance is not merely parallel but increasingly causative, especially as critical UK export sectors come under direct threat.

Trade instability challenges UK's industrial core

Among the UK's top concerns are U.S. tariffs of up to 25% on key exports including automobiles, steel, and aluminum. These sectors are vital to Britain’s industrial output and regional employment, particularly in the Midlands and Northern England. The announcement that pharmaceuticals may also be targeted by new duties introduces an additional layer of risk for a sector that represents 8% of UK goods exports.

In this context, trade tensions with the U.S. are not only economic irritants — they represent structural risks. The potential tariff burden could erode competitiveness, reduce foreign direct investment, and trigger supply chain disruptions that spill over into other sectors. The correlation between increased U.S. tariffs and downgraded UK growth forecasts suggests a feedback loop in which economic interdependence intensifies mutual vulnerability.

Strategic response: Diplomatic engagement and negotiation frameworks

Reeves' itinerary includes a high-stakes meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who leads Trump’s trade negotiations. The UK hopes to secure exemptions or reductions in current and upcoming tariffs, while also proposing a broader digital trade and regulation review — including revisiting digital services taxes and online safety rules — as a negotiating lever.

The UK is also exploring conditional flexibility in agricultural trade, potentially lowering tariffs on high-quality U.S. meat products such as beef, pork, and poultry. However, London has clearly defined its food standards as a non-negotiable red line, reflecting domestic political sensitivities and public health concerns.

Although such trade-offs may unlock partial concessions, the tone from UK officials remains cautious. With national interest protection at the core of any agreement, the likelihood of a breakthrough during this week’s meetings remains slim, underscoring the complexity and fragility of post-Brexit UK-U.S. trade relations.

The thin line between protectionism and progress

The UK’s strategic posture reflects a broader reality facing mid-sized economies in an era of renewed protectionism. As the United States pivots toward unilateral trade actions, allies like the UK must navigate a narrow path — balancing economic exposure, domestic politics, and diplomatic leverage.

Reeves’ proactive stance at the IMF and World Bank meetings signals Britain’s attempt to assert its role as a voice for open markets amid rising global fragmentation. Yet the outcome of these efforts depends heavily on U.S. willingness to compromise and the evolving logic of economic nationalism. For now, the UK economy stands at a precarious crossroads, where even marginal policy shifts in Washington could trigger disproportionate ripple effects in London.

Source: Reuters

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Glendon

Forex

Economic

China–U.S. Trade War

China has said it is not in any talks with the United States about raising tariffs, although recent statements from the White House have raised hopes of easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, CNBC reported.

A spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce said there are "absolutely no economic or trade talks currently taking place between China and the United States," CNBC reported Thursday. The spokesman said "all talk" about potential progress in the discussions should be discarded, the business news outlet reported.

Beijing also called on the US to "cancel all unilateral measures" if it wants to "solve the problem," CNBC reported.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to reach a "fair deal" with China on trade, although he did not elaborate on possible talks with Beijing.

Trump has made China a major target of his aggressive tariffs, raising tariffs on imports from the country to at least 145%. That has prompted a backlash from China, which has raised tariffs on American products to 125%.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said those tariffs would need to be reduced before talks could continue, but he stressed that Trump would not take such a step on his own.

"Neither side believes these are sustainable levels," Bessent said, a remark that helped fuel a rally in Wall Street stocks Wednesday.

The comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that the White House was considering cutting its punitive tariffs on China to 50% to ease the negotiations. However, Trump officials would not do so unilaterally, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Source: Investments

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Adam

Economic

Birth rates falling below replacement levels: a mounting structural challenge

Europe’s declining birth rates are no longer a temporary demographic fluctuation but a sustained trend with deep-rooted economic and societal implications. Recent figures reveal that no European country currently achieves the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. For instance, the Czech Republic reported a fertility rate of just 1.3 in 2024, while Malta recorded the lowest at 1.06. Even Bulgaria, the continent’s best performer, only reached 1.81.

This persistent underperformance reveals more than a correlation — there is an emerging causative trend between societal modernization and fertility decline. As nations modernize, fertility rates tend to fall due to delayed family planning, career prioritization, and a reevaluation of traditional roles, especially among women.

Changing family norms and the rise of voluntary childlessness

Social surveys conducted across 27 European countries show a cultural shift: a growing number of young adults are consciously opting for child-free lifestyles. Only around 10% of women and 8% of men aged 20 to 29 in Europe actively plan to have children. This phenomenon reflects more than individual preference — it mirrors systemic changes in gender roles, economic opportunity costs, and lifestyle values.

Women now attain higher educational levels and broader career access than previous generations, but motherhood often comes at a personal and financial cost. The imbalance in domestic responsibilities further disincentivizes childbearing, as women remain disproportionately burdened by unpaid labor even in dual-income households.

The shift began with the demographic revolution of the 1960s, when traditional religious and social norms lost dominance. Today, countries like Norway and the Netherlands report 80–90% social acceptance toward women choosing not to have children, while Central and Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Hungary remain more conservative. Interestingly, Denmark shows a cultural paradox — valuing children for personal fulfillment while strongly supporting individual reproductive autonomy.

Gender disparity and public perception in childfree decisions

Demographic attitudes reveal a persistent gender asymmetry in how society perceives childfree decisions. While women are increasingly accepted for choosing not to have children, men face stronger societal resistance — especially in Eastern European nations. Educational attainment further influences these views, with higher-educated individuals more likely to support voluntary childlessness or view it neutrally.

Older generations, meanwhile, maintain stronger beliefs in the necessity of children for a complete life, showing a clear generational divergence in values. This divergence contributes to a broader societal conversation about identity, responsibility, and what constitutes a fulfilling life.

From overpopulation anxiety to underpopulation alarm

Globally, the fertility rate has fallen from about 5 children per woman in the 1960s to just 2.3 today. By 2100, 97% of countries will likely have fertility rates below 2.1. Only a handful of nations — including Niger, Chad, and Samoa — are expected to maintain population growth.

In contrast to past fears of overpopulation, today's demographic reality reveals a reversed concern. Population decline, particularly in aging societies like Europe and South Korea (with a fertility rate of 0.7), is projected to lead to labor shortages, slower economic growth, and increased fiscal pressure on social welfare systems.

Economic implications of a shrinking workforce and aging population

In OECD countries, the ratio of people aged 65+ to the working-age population is projected to double from 30 per 100 in 2020 to 59 by 2060. This shift demands significantly higher public spending on pensions and healthcare, while simultaneously shrinking the tax base.

This trajectory suggests a cause-and-effect relationship: declining fertility leads to an aging population, which in turn increases the economic burden on younger generations and weakens long-term growth potential. The demographic imbalance risks triggering unsustainable public finance models and slower innovation cycles due to labor scarcity.

Fertility challenges: not only about choice but also capacity

Low birth rates are not solely the result of voluntary childlessness. Infertility is also a critical, often overlooked factor. Roughly 20% of couples in developed countries face reproductive difficulties. In Spain, 9% of births occur via assisted reproductive technologies (ART); the Czech Republic follows closely with over 6%, ranking third in Europe behind Denmark.

Delayed parenthood often leads to involuntary childlessness, highlighting a feedback loop where social, economic, and biological factors compound. As the age of first-time parents increases, natural fertility rates decline, and ART becomes both more necessary and more expensive.

Preparing for a new demographic reality

Europe stands at a demographic crossroads. The convergence of voluntary childlessness, structural infertility, changing gender dynamics, and social evolution is producing a slow-moving yet profound crisis. The impact spans economic productivity, social welfare sustainability, and intergenerational cohesion.

Crucially, this is not a uniquely European phenomenon — it signals a global transformation. Without proactive and holistic policy interventions, many societies risk becoming demographically fragile. Addressing this challenge requires more than incentivizing childbirth; it demands reimagining work-life balance, gender equality, reproductive healthcare access, and societal expectations for future generations.

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Golden Gleam

Technical Analysis

XAUUSD is rebounding from the support level, currently trading at 3,331 USD. Discover more in our analysis for 24 April 2025.

XAUUSD forecast: key trading points

Strong fundamental factors drive demand for Gold
Investors view buying on price declines as the optimal strategy in current conditions
XAUUSD forecast for 24 April 2025: 3,465

Fundamental analysis

XAUUSD quotes are recovering after two days of losses. The decline was driven by rising risk appetite, following statements from Donald Trump about potentially lowering tariffs on Chinese goods and reaching a trade agreement with Beijing.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that the current level of tariffs between the US and China is unsustainable and should be reduced before new talks can begin. However, he stressed that Trump has no plans to unilaterally lift tariffs on Chinese imports.

Market participants believe the bullish trend in Gold will continue unless the White House demonstrates a genuine shift in its trade policy. For now, strong fundamentals continue to support demand for Gold, with buying on dips remaining the preferred strategy.

XAUUSD technical analysis

XAUUSD prices are rising within an ascending channel after rebounding confidently from the lower boundary. A Head and Shoulders reversal pattern is forming on the chart, which adds to expectations of a continued upward move. The XAUUSD forecast for 24 April 2025 anticipates a minor correction towards the 3,300 USD level, followed by a rally targeting 3,465 USD.

Technical indicators support the bullish outlook, with Moving Averages pointing upwards and the Stochastic Oscillator leaving oversold territory, with a bullish crossover of %K and %D lines. A breakout above the resistance level will confirm the bullish scenario, with prices consolidating above 3,365 USD.

Summary

XAUUSD prices are recovering after their recent decline, supported by expectations of a shift in US trade policy and strong fundamentals, driving demand for Gold. Today’s XAUUSD analysis signals a high probability of continued bullish momentum, with a target at 3,465 USD, reinforced by a Head and Shoulders reversal pattern and signals of technical indicators.

Source: RoboForex

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Blue River

Forex

Technical Analysis

Fundamental Overview

The USD got a boost fromthe positive Trump’s comments on China late Tuesday. We saw the bullishmomentum holding yesterday but it started to wane as disappointing news startedto filter through.

We see stronger reactionsto positive news because of overstretched positioning, so that will likelycontinue to be the case even though in the medium term, the US Dollar should keepon depreciating as the path of least resistance for the Fed remains to cutrates.

On the JPY side, thecurrency has been driven mainly by global events rather than domesticfundamentals. Alongside the Swiss Franc, it’s been the favoured safe haven inthe currencies space and will likely continue to do so.

The negative impact onthe Japanese economy from tariffs uncertainty and the downward pressure oninflation from the surging yen will keep the BoJ on the sidelines for the timebeing.

USDJPY Technical Analysis

On the daily chart, we cansee that USDJPY bounced from the key 140.00 handle and pulled all the way backto the 143.50 level. From a risk management perspective, the sellers will havea better risk to reward setup around the major trendline to position for furtherdownside, while the buyers will look for a break higher to increase the bullishbets into the 151.00 handle next.

On the 4 hour chart, we cansee that we have a strong resistancezone around the 144.00 handle where we can find the confluenceof the previous swing levels and the minor trendline. The sellers will likelypile in around these levels with a defined risk above the trendline to positionfor a break below the 140.00 handle. The buyers, on the other hand, will wantto see the price breaking higher to increase the bullish bets into the majortrendline next.

On the 1 hour chart, we cansee that we have a minor upward trendline defining the bullish momentum on thistimeframe. The buyers will likely lean on the trendline to keep pushing intonew highs, while the sellers will look for a break lower to increase thebearish bets into new lows. The red lines define the average daily range for today.