The trade war

Duties, EU considers possible face-to-face with Trump in Rome. US-China meeting on the issue today

Donald Trump also intends to exempt car manufacturers from some of the highest tariffs he has imposed. The Financial Times reports

24 April 2025

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Space for a possible negotiation between Europe and the US on the tariffs front, at least judging by the openings coming from Brussels. "We are considering the possibility of meeting" although "at the moment there is nothing confirmed", announced Paula Pinho, a spokeswoman for the president of the EU Commission, when asked at the press briefing about possible meetings in Rome of EU executive Ursula von der Leyen with US President Donald Trump in Rome. "The main objective" of von der Leyen's trip to Rome "is really the funeral of Pope Francis". "If other opportunities arise, on the sidelines of the funeral, then they will, of course, be helpful," Pinho stressed.

The EU spokeswoman's words follow a few hours after Donald Trump confirmed that he had several meetings on his agenda in Rome on the occasion of the Pope's funeral, but without specifying with whom. 'Yes, of course. I have many meetings scheduled,' he told reporters in the Oval Office. He then announced that there will be other people in the US delegation, besides himself and Melania, and said he was convinced that it will be "a beautiful ceremony".

China: 'Start talks with US on tariffs? False news'

After an initial opening by Trump towards China, which on Wednesday 23 April revived the stock exchanges, the White House is also considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports, in some cases by halving them. "We will have a fair deal with China," the US president insisted, even as Treasury Secretary Bessent warned that Washington "has not yet talked" with Beijing about tariffs. Later in the evening, Trump announced to reporters in the Oval Office that 'there is direct contact between the US and China' for a trade deal and that within two to three weeks the US will set tariffs for China.

Closely, however, Beijing denied having entered into trade negotiations with the US, calling recent US messages that the parties are negotiating and will even reach an agreement 'false information'. "To the best of my knowledge, China and the US have not consulted or negotiated on the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, according to state media. "We will fight if necessary. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiations must be equal, respectful and mutual," Guo added.

China: 'US removes unilateral tariffs for dialogue'

At the weekly briefing, Chinese Trade Ministry spokesman He Yadong instead reminded that the unilateral tariff increase 'was initiated by the US, and if the US really wants to solve the problem, it should listen to the rational voices of the international community and stakeholders'. The US should therefore 'completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China and find a way to resolve differences through an equal dialogue'. Yadong then commented on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's assertion that the tariff war between the two sides had subsided, noting that 'those who tied the bell should untie it'.

Ministry of Commerce gathers foreign companies on US duties

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also reported that it held a meeting with more than 80 foreign companies and chambers of commerce in the Dragon on 23 April to discuss the impact of US tariffs on foreign companies' investments and activities in the country. For Ling Ji, China's vice minister of commerce and deputy representative for international trade, the recent 'unilateral and intimidating actions by the United States seriously undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system and the related international economic order'. China will 'firmly take countermeasures', Ling assured, encouraging 'foreign enterprises to express their concerns rationally, maintain confidence, overcome difficulties and turn challenges into opportunities in the collective fight against unilateralism and protectionism'.

Ft: Trump exempts carmakers from some duties

Donald Trump also intends to exempt car manufacturers from some of the highest tariffs he has imposed. This was reported by the Financial Times quoting sources as saying that the president intends to exempt components from the tariffs imposed on imports from China for fentanyl, but also from those on steel and aluminium. The exemptions will leave in place 25% tariffs on all foreign-made cars. Another 25%, which will be triggered on 3 March, will remain in place for components. For the car manufacturers, the exemption is a victory and comes after intense lobbying.

Trump signs decrees for new squeeze on US universities

On the domestic front, Trump stated that he would 'like to keep Elon Musk in government for a long time'. In addition to the drastic measures of cuts and dismissals of the so-called Doge, the department overseeing public administration headed by Musk (while sales of his Tesla electric cars plummet), Trump continues his crusade against American universities: on Wednesday he signed an executive order instructing his administration to enforce existing laws requiring universities to declare when they receive large donations from abroad. The president also signed a second measure to change the university accreditation process, with the aim of making it based on merit and results, rather than 'woke ideology', as White House aide Will Scharf explained in the Oval Office.

Trump, I will have several meetings in Rome. US-China meeting on duties

Donald Trump said he will have several meetings in Rome on the occasion of the Pope's funeral, but would not specify with whom. "Yes, of course. I have many meetings scheduled," he told reporters in the Oval Office. He then announced that there will be other people in the US delegation, besides himself and Melania, and said he was convinced that it will be "a beautiful ceremony". In the afternoon Italian time, the US president said, without giving further details, that in the morning there had been a meeting between the US and China on tariffs.