Welcome to China Tariff News and Tracker, bringing listeners the latest on U.S.-China trade relations and tariff developments as of August 4, 2025. Negotiations between Washington and Beijing remain at center stage, with tariff rates and the threat of trade escalation continuing to make major headlines.

As of late July, the Trump administration and China agreed to extend a 90-day pause in escalating tariffs—meaning Chinese goods entering the U.S. are currently subject to a 30% tariff, following a steep reduction from April’s record-high 145%. This truce, reported by Fox Business and Passport Global, also knocked down U.S. exports to China to a 10% rate. Still, both sides warn these rates could climb again if no permanent deal is struck. Talks remain underway, with the U.S. Trade Representative and Chinese officials signaling that further technical details—especially around rare earth minerals and magnets—need resolution. U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer cautioned that tariffs might “snap back” to over 80% if deadlines slip and negotiations falter.

A significant source of lingering tension is the U.S. demand that China halt oil imports from both Russia and Iran. ABC News highlights that these energy ties are where talks remain most fractious. China’s Foreign Ministry declared it would “firmly defend its sovereignty,” refusing to give in to U.S. pressure—even in the face of a threatened 100% tariff on Chinese goods. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC he believes both sides still have “the makings of a deal,” though energy trade remains a sticking point. Experts, like Teneo’s Gabriel Wildau, suggest that actually enacting the 100% tariff might destroy any prospect for a trade breakthrough this year.

Earlier this year, President Trump stunned global markets with a sweeping tariff plan, slapping rates as high as 145% on Chinese imports. China responded with a 125% tariff on American goods. Intense diplomatic exchanges in Stockholm and Geneva throughout May and July saw both sides reduce tariffs for 90 days and keep the dialogue open—even as some U.S. lawmakers push for new sanctions that could target nations doing business with Russia, including China.

With August 7 now set as the next critical deadline, Trump’s advisors are signaling little room for near-term changes, telling Fortune that “tariff rates are pretty much set.” However, legal challenges and political pressure at home and abroad are mounting, adding further uncertainty. Global Trade Alert reports that from August 29, even small Chinese shipments under $800—previously duty-free—will be subject to special IEEPA-based tariffs, marking another escalation in the trade fight.

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