U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
He says China talks are slightly stalled but expects more discussions in the next few weeks.
In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Bessent said the U.S. is seeing “substantial” tariff income and insisted that trade partners are engaging “in good faith.” He added there’s been “no change in their attitudes in the past 48 hours.”
"The president has the right to set the trade agenda for the U.S.," Bessent said, reaffirming the administration’s position as the White House continues to defend Trump’s tariff actions, even after a court ruling temporarily blocked them.
Bessent noted that China’s involvement remains critical: “The talks are complex enough that both leaders will need to weigh in. I’m confident the Chinese will step in,” he said. He also suggested that a call between Trump and Xi may happen at some point, as diplomatic momentum builds.
He further projected that the U.S. federal deficit will be smaller this year compared to last, citing increased tariff revenue. Bessent added that rising productivity could help fuel further economic growth, saying, “A productivity increase could add a point to GDP in the next 12 or 24 months.”
On digital assets, Bessent revealed that the Treasury Department has permanently incorporated several members of the DOGE team, originally associated with Elon Musk. “Musk did some important work, but DOGE will not end with Elon,” he said, without elaborating on future plans.
The remarks come amid heightened attention to U.S.-China relations, digital finance policy, and speculation around upcoming announcements from the Trump administration on trade, tech, and economic strategy.
China has raised the retail prices of petrol and diesel after global oil prices climbed sharply. The country&rsquo...
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new programme aimed at develop...
Kazakhstan has evacuated 8,585 citizens from Middle Eastern countries as regional tensions escalate. Authorities a...
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the ...
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective ...
China has raised the retail prices of petrol and diesel after global oil prices climbed sharply. The country’s top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced the move after reviewing international oil market trends.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new programme aimed at developing educational courses and training sessions for young parents.
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the Taliban of holding American citizens to gain political concessions and demanding the immediate release of detained Americans.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment