China stops tariffs on some U.S. semiconductors

China appears to have rolled back the 125% tariffs on some imports from the U.S., a move that could mark the start of de-escalating the trade war between the two countries.

The exemptions apply to integrated circuits, or microchips and semiconductors, according to details given to CNN by three import agencies in Shenzhen.

One manager said she found out Thursday that tariffs on eight kinds of integrated circuits have been dropped to zero. They had no idea until a routine custom clearance.

China has been the staunchest fighter of the retaliatory tariffs that President Trump had placed on a whole list of countries. Once the Trump tariffs were placed, China was quick to impose retaliatory tariffs of its own.

Mr. Trump increased tariffs on most Chinese goods to 145%, with exceptions for electronics.

The Chinese business magazine Caijing reported the exceptions Friday, but the article was removed just hours after it was put up.

Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Friday that his ultimate goal is to “open” China to U.S. products, but Beijing doesn’t want it. Even if it were to happen, Mr. Trump said, the media wouldn’t give him credit for it.

“The problem is, no matter how big the win is, the press will not give me credit for it,” the president said.

Mr. Trump has said that trade negotiations are ongoing between the U.S. and China, despite Beijing saying that it wasn’t true.

“They had a meeting this morning,” Mr. Trump said Thursday during a White House meeting with Norwegian leaders.

Just hours earlier Chinese officials said it wasn’t true.

“For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. “China’s position is consistent and clear: We will fight — if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”

Mr. Trump has said a deal with China can be made but it must be a “fair deal.”

But China says the U.S. should lower its tariffs unilaterally.

“If the U.S. truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue,” Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong said.