U.S. and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Reductions: What It Means for Trade, Inflation, and Tax Strategy

In a surprise move that rippled across global markets, the United States and China have agreed to a 90-day suspension of elevated tariffs, opening the door to renewed trade negotiations and a potential thaw in economic tensions.

Announced on May 12, 2025, while the agreement is temporary, its immediate implications are far-reaching — from import/export tax planning to inflation expectations and cross-border strategy.

What Was Agreed?

Under the 90-day tariff rollback agreement, both countries will significantly reduce their recent tariff hikes:

• U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will drop from 145% to 30%

• China’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods will fall from 125% to 10%

  
  

The suspension is aimed at allowing both sides to resume formal negotiations and explore longer-term trade reforms. While not a legally binding treaty, both countries called the deal a "mutual consensus" and committed to continued dialogue.

Why This Matters to Tax and Trade Professionals

1. Lower Import Costs and Revived Supply Chains

Tariff reductions are expected to ease cost pressures on U.S. importers who source from China, particularly in:

• Electronics

• Machinery and equipment

• Consumer goods

• Pharmaceuticals and chemicals

This could translate into immediate inventory cost savings and revived cross-border procurement strategies.

2. Customs and Duties Planning

Importers and exporters should review:

• Revised tariff schedules and harmonized codes for affected products

• Warehousing and customs timing — holding shipments until rates drop may reduce duties owed

• Transfer pricing strategies for related-party trade structures

  
  

3. Inflation Relief on the Horizon

With tariffs contributing to consumer price increases across sectors, economists expect this deal to ease inflationary pressure — particularly on goods heavily reliant on Chinese inputs.

Tax professionals and CFOs may also anticipate:

• Lower import VAT passthroughs

• Potential cost basis adjustments in inventory valuation

• Changes in state-level gross receipts or excise tax calculations

  
  

Political Implications

The agreement is seen as a political win for both Trump and Xi:

• Trump delivers on a high-profile promise to pressure China while still showing diplomatic flexibility

• Xi gains domestic relief from an escalating trade war, with Chinese markets responding favorably

  
  

Markets rallied on the news, with U.S. stocks climbing, the dollar strengthening, and gold prices dipping as trade tension eased.

What’s Next?

The 90-day window will be used to advance formal negotiations, alternating between Washington, Beijing, and neutral third-party venues. Areas of discussion are expected to include:

• Fentanyl export controls

• Tech sector competition and export restrictions

• Trade imbalance resolution

• Long-term tariff frameworks

  
  

If progress is made, this temporary reprieve could lead to a more permanent trade structure between the world’s two largest economies.

Final Thought

For businesses operating in global supply chains — and the professionals who advise them — the U.S.–China tariff rollback presents both a short-term opportunity and a strategic reset. Now is the time to reassess sourcing plans, customs documentation, and tax implications before the next round of trade talks begins.

At Bizora AI, we’ll continue monitoring these developments closely — helping firms navigate global tax and trade uncertainty with clarity and speed.