China has officially confirmed that it is considering a return to formal trade negotiations with the United States, signaling a potential thaw in relations after a fresh wave of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump earlier this month. The announcement, released by China’s Ministry of Commerce on April 26, marks the first public indication from Beijing that dialogue between the world’s two largest economies could resume.
The statement comes after several weeks of mounting trade tensions, during which the White House unveiled a new round of tariffs targeting a wide array of Chinese goods, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Beijing has so far refrained from retaliatory action, instead opting for measured diplomatic signals suggesting openness to de-escalation.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the United States recently submitted a formal request through diplomatic channels to initiate trade discussions. While China has not yet confirmed a date for talks, the ministry acknowledged that the request is being “carefully evaluated.”
“We have taken note of the U.S. proposal and are currently assessing the conditions for engagement,” the ministry said in a written statement. “We urge the American side to demonstrate genuine sincerity in its approach to dialogue.”
This marks the first time Chinese authorities have acknowledged receiving direct overtures from the U.S. government under President Trump’s second term, during which trade policy has once again taken center stage.
In early April, the Trump administration reintroduced sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, reviving tactics used during his first term. The stated goal is to protect American industries and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains—particularly in strategic sectors like technology and energy.
The measures, announced unilaterally, have drawn criticism from some U.S. trade groups and economists, who warn of potential inflationary effects and retaliation from Beijing. However, administration officials maintain that the tariffs are a necessary step to “reassert fair trade” and address structural imbalances.
While tensions remain high, China’s willingness to publicly acknowledge the possibility of talks is being interpreted as a cautious but meaningful gesture. Analysts note that Beijing’s call for “sincerity” is a diplomatic cue to Washington to temper its rhetoric and take more substantive steps toward compromise.
The Ministry of Commerce did not provide details on potential negotiation topics but emphasized that any engagement must be “based on equality and mutual respect.”
