U.S., China Eye 90-Day Tariff Freeze Amid Stockholm Talks

- Stockholm trade discussions focus on extending U.S.-China tariff truce. - Fentanyl-linked tariffs emerge as a key sticking point in negotiations. According to reports from the *South China Morning Post* on July 27 and July 28, 2025, trade negotiations in Stockholm will likely extend the U.S.-China tariff truce by 90 days. This temporary measure aims to maintain dialogue and prevent new tariffs before the current arrangement expires on August 12, 2025. This latest round of high-stakes talks in Stockholm follows previous discussions in Geneva and London, where negotiators are addressing trade disputes that have persisted since the 2018 trade war, which disrupted global markets and supply chains. While the truce aims to create space for more talks, negotiators do not expect major breakthroughs on long-term issues like intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers at this stage. A significant challenge has emerged in the talks: China is asking the U.S. to remove tariffs on fentanyl-related chemicals. China argues that these tariffs hinder joint efforts to combat illicit opioid trafficking, adding a public health dimension to the debate. This issue highlights the complexity of the negotiations, which now intertwine economic, legal, and humanitarian concerns. An extended truce would give both countries critical time to address their structural differences; however, its success depends on the political will of each nation to find common ground. Since the White House has not yet officially confirmed the extension, the discussions are time-sensitive. Consequently, the looming August 12 deadline pressures negotiators to solidify a temporary ceasefire and prevent further escalation.