U.S. Trade Deals Appear Distant As Tariff Tensions Simmer

President Donald Trump’s efforts to forge new trade agreements suffered setbacks this week, as Chinese officials denied ongoing talks and a French minister declared a U.S.–EU deal “a long way” off, Agence France-Presse's (AFP) Beiyi Seow reported.

Despite Trump administration claims that 18 trade proposals are under review, Beijing has firmly rejected assertions of active negotiations.

Since taking office in January, Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on most trading partners, including the European Union, and sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods—reaching 145% in some sectors—drawing fierce retaliation.

Despite Trump administration claims that 18 trade proposals are under review, Beijing has firmly rejected assertions of active negotiations.

Trump told reporters, “We've been meeting with China.”

But that same day, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said: “I would like to emphasize that there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the U.S.” China’s Foreign Ministry also labeled reports of talks as “false.”

Separately, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard said in Washington that trade negotiations with the U.S. were stalled. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Bessent told reporters, “We are not yet speaking with Beijing” on reducing tariffs.