Trump expresses optimism on China trade deal despite contradictory signals

[WORLD] U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Wednesday that a trade agreement with China remains within reach, despite a contradictory statement from his top trade official earlier in the day confirming that no formal discussions are currently taking place.

The conflicting messages from the Trump administration come at a time of heightened economic friction between Washington and Beijing. Market analysts say the president’s upbeat remarks may be intended to calm investor nerves amid ongoing volatility tied to uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have continued to strike a measured tone, stressing that any negotiations must be grounded in mutual respect.

“There’s a very good chance we’re going to make a deal … and it’s got to be fair,” Trump told NewsNation during a Wednesday interview, reiterating his view that trade relations with China need to be rebalanced.

Trump’s comments are consistent with his broader critique of Chinese trade practices, which he has frequently described as exploitative. Still, observers point out that economic interdependence between the two powers makes a protracted trade war an unattractive outcome for either side. China remains a major buyer of American agricultural goods, while U.S. retailers depend heavily on Chinese-made imports.

“We were ripped off by China, we were ripped off by everybody, but really by China. They were the king of ripping off the United States,” Trump added.

Figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department this week show a modest decline in the trade deficit with China last quarter, though the gap remains substantial. Some economists argue that tariffs imposed under the Trump administration have done little to shift the trade balance, and warn that prolonged tensions could disrupt global supply chains.

Trump's remarks came during a “Cuomo Town Hall: The First 100 Days” segment, just hours after U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated there were no active negotiations with Chinese counterparts—casting doubt on the immediacy of any potential breakthrough.

The discrepancy underscores ongoing difficulties within the administration in presenting a unified trade policy. Analysts suggest internal divisions may be contributing to delays in progress, even as American businesses and agricultural producers push for clarity. With the 2020 election on the horizon, the president faces increasing pressure to either ramp up his confrontational stance or seek a resolution to the long-running dispute.