Fact Check: "90-day tariff suspension agreed upon by U.S. and China"
What We Know
On May 12, 2025, the United States and China announced a significant agreement regarding tariffs. According to the Joint Statement issued by both governments, the U.S. will suspend 24 percentage points of the additional ad valorem rate of duty on Chinese goods for an initial period of 90 days, while retaining a baseline tariff of 10 percent. Similarly, China will suspend 24 percentage points of its tariff on U.S. goods for the same duration, also maintaining a 10 percent tariff on those articles. This agreement is part of ongoing discussions aimed at improving the economic and trade relationship between the two countries.
Additionally, a Fact Sheet released by the Trump administration confirms that both nations will reduce their tariffs significantly while retaining a baseline tariff. The document emphasizes that these actions will be taken by May 14, 2025, and highlights the importance of this agreement in addressing trade imbalances and fostering future discussions.
Analysis
The claim that a 90-day tariff suspension has been agreed upon by the U.S. and China is supported by multiple credible sources. The Joint Statement clearly outlines the terms of the agreement, specifying the suspension of substantial tariff rates for both countries. This official communication from the U.S. government is a primary source and carries significant weight in validating the claim.
Moreover, the Fact Sheet further corroborates the details of the agreement, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the tariff reductions and the strategic importance of this arrangement for both nations. The fact that these documents were released by official government channels adds to their reliability.
While there are other sources discussing the implications of this agreement, such as a report from CNBC that summarizes the deal's impact on tariffs, the primary documents from the U.S. government serve as the most authoritative evidence. The credibility of these sources is high, given their official nature and the context in which they were released.
Conclusion
The claim that a 90-day tariff suspension has been agreed upon by the U.S. and China is True. The evidence from official government statements and fact sheets confirms that both countries have committed to suspending significant portions of their tariffs for an initial period of 90 days, while maintaining a baseline tariff. This agreement reflects ongoing efforts to improve bilateral trade relations and address economic concerns.
