U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed there are no official trade talks currently underway with China, despite President Donald Trump’s earlier claims of ongoing negotiations. Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Greer said, “not yet,” when asked about formal talks with Beijing, though he acknowledged speaking with his Chinese counterpart before April 2—prior to the imposition of steep U.S. tariffs that reignited tensions between the two largest economies.
Greer’s remarks highlight ongoing confusion around the U.S.-China trade status. While Trump has signaled active discussions, China has denied any formal talks. Greer emphasized the administration’s focus on “targeted” deals and reciprocal trade, adding that the U.S. is just weeks away from announcing agreements with other nations.
“We’re not talking months—just weeks—before we see some initial deals,” he told Fox News, citing negotiations with countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines. Talks with India are also in progress, though Greer noted a deal is not imminent.
As global markets brace for the fallout from Trump's tariff strategy, several economies are scrambling to avoid the punitive measures. A temporary 90-day extension offered by the U.S. has provided some relief, but China has responded with retaliatory tariffs of up to 125% on American goods.
Recent economic indicators, including weak PMI data from China, suggest Trump’s tariffs are already impacting Chinese businesses. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently acknowledged that easing tariff pressure may be necessary to bring China back to the negotiating table, although he warned of a potentially lengthy process ahead.
This ongoing uncertainty continues to weigh on global trade and markets, as the U.S. pursues deals that aim to narrow its trade deficit and establish fairer trade terms.