Trump administration sends mixed messages on China trade pact

The US government sent mixed messages this week on where the latest trade agreement with China, including a possible extension of the pause on tariff hikes, is headed.

Asked by a reporter at the regular press briefing whether an extension of the current pause on import tariffs aimed at each others’ products “was on the table”, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “I don’t think so, but I’ll let [Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] speak on that, because he’s leading these negotiations.”