Jamison Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), said on the 13th (local time) that there are “currently no plans” regarding dialogues between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping related to the tariff conflict between the U.S. and China.
During a CBS interview, Greer responded to a question on whether there is an open dialogue channel between the Trump administration and Beijing, stating, “We had contacts with the Chinese side even before the reciprocal tariff announcement on April 2, and discussions have continued since then.” He added, “We are addressing this issue at a normal level, and as President Trump mentioned, we expect to hold a dialogue with them (the Chinese) someday.”
In response to a question about whether the current tariff measure is part of a strategic decoupling attempt to induce the disposal of Chinese assets in the U.S., he drew a line, stating, “This is not part of the plan.”
Greer explained, “President Trump has a global program to revive American manufacturing and to resolve the trade deficit,” further stating, “The only reason we have come to this situation is because China chose to retaliate.”
Regarding the inclusion of advanced electronic products, such as smartphones and laptops, in the subjects exempt from reciprocal tariffs on the 11th, he emphasized, “It is essential that semiconductors and their downstream electronic supply chains are transferred to the U.S.” He added, “It is not that exceptions apply, and the term ‘exception’ is simply not appropriate.”
He explained, “This type of supply chain has moved to a tariff system for national security from the global reciprocal tariffs,” stating, “This does not mean that it will not become another subject for reshoring; it simply falls under a different regime (tariffs on items for national security).”
In response to the application of a 90-day reciprocal tariff exemption for countries other than China, he said, “We have already had many conversations with other countries, and they will continue to come to the table and make proposals going forward.” He stated, “We are working without resting, sharing reports, receiving proposals, and providing feedback to achieve better mutual trade.”