As trade talks begin, Chinese exporters prepare to get goods moving to U.S. again [Video]

China-based shipping agents have resumed buying container space for goods headed for the United States after a series of U.S. tariff-induced cancellations, as Beijing and Washington head for trade talks in Switzerland.

Trade between the world’s two largest economies has slumped since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 145 per cent tariffs on China-made goods on April 10, a move which prompted China to impose levies of 125 per cent on U.S.-made products.

Trump on Friday floated cutting tariffs on China from 145 per cent to 80 per cent ahead of the weekend meeting.

“80 per cent Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,” Trump wrote on his social media account on Friday morning, referring to Scott Bessent, his Treasury chief, who has been a point person on trade.

The U.S. tariffs, which affect an estimated 80 per cent of goods shipped from China to the U.S., prompted sailings …