Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
China’s Commerce Ministry has revealed it’s considering a U.S. proposal to discuss President Trump’s 145% tariffs, though Beijing warns against using talks for “coercion and extortion.” This development comes after Trump claimed discussions were already happening, which China had denied. The growing trade dispute has seen both countries implement punishing tariffs—145% from the U.S. and 125% from China—that analysts say could effectively halt trade between the world’s two largest economies.
The timing is particularly challenging for China, which faces deflation, slow economic growth, and a property crisis. Despite public resistance, China has quietly exempted certain U.S. products from its retaliatory tariffs, including pharmaceuticals and microchips. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ended duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong. U.S. officials remain optimistic, with Treasury Secretary Bessent stating he’s “confident that the Chinese will want to reach a deal,” emphasizing a multi-step process beginning with de-escalation.
