WTO chief urges US-China to build on momentum from 'positive' talks at Geneva

World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said she was pleased with the positive outcome of U.S.-China trade talks in Geneva and urged both nations to build on this momentum by developing practical solutions that ease tensions, restore predictability, and bolster global trade.

World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said she was “pleased with the positive outcome” of the recent U.S.-China trade talks in Geneva and urged both countries to build on this momentum by continuing to develop practical solutions that mitigate tensions, restore predictability, and strengthen confidence in the multilateral trading system. She noted that sustained high-level engagement between the world’s two largest economies is critical not only for their bilateral relationship but also for the stability of vulnerable and emerging economies worldwide.

The talks followed two days of intensive negotiations in Geneva involving senior officials from both sides. Participants included U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, alongside Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and senior economic ministers. U.S. officials announced a preliminary deal to reduce the $295 billion annual trade deficit, with full details due to be disclosed on Monday. Greer described the outcome as “substantial progress,” paving the way for follow-up negotiations on tariffs and intellectual property issues.

The discussions marked the first in-person, high-level economic dialogue since U.S. tariffs of up to 145% and Chinese duties of up to 125% disrupted nearly $600 billion in annual trade.

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