USCBC Statement on US-China Trade Talks in Geneva

WASHINGTON—May 12, 2025—The US-China Business Council (USCBC), a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of 270 American companies that do business in China, today released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is a positive step that will allow some trade between the two countries to resume and avoid some of the worst effects of what Secretary Bessent called a bilateral trade ‘embargo.’ We are eager to see the two sides taking more steps to reduce the remaining tariffs, which hurt both economies and raise prices for businesses and consumers in both countries,” USCBC President Sean Stein said. “In particular, we look forward to additional actions that will bring relief to US farmers, ranchers, and autoworkers.”

“As the 90-day negotiations commence, USCBC urges China to take substantive measures to end the unfair trade practices and market-entry barriers that have limited the success of US companies in China. A 90-day suspension, while welcome, still creates significant uncertainty for US companies’ business planning and costs, undermining their long-term global competitiveness.

“We are encouraged that the two sides are now in dialogue and we look forward to further steps being taken by China to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States and to honor its ‘phase one’ trade deal commitments, including measures to level the playing field for US companies in China.”

# # #