The US Treasury Department does not rule out a break in trade relations with China

Against the background of a mutual increase in import tariffs, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent does not rule out the possibility of a complete break in trade relations with China. He noted that although such an outcome is not mandatory, it is quite real.

Bessent stressed that although a deal between the two countries is possible, it will be more difficult to achieve it than with other states. This is due to the fact that China is both the largest economic competitor and a military rival of the United States. 

Earlier, President Donald Trump wrote on social media that «no one will go unpunished, especially China, which, of course, treats us the worst of all.» On Friday, Beijing announced the introduction of additional duties on goods from the United States. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that the introduction of excessively high US duties against China has turned into a «numbers game» that has no practical significance for the economy.

In addition, the White House said that at the moment the total amount of US duties on Chinese goods is 145%.