U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Section 301 tariffs will remain as the U.S. and China hold a summit in Beijing.
These trade measures serve as critical leverage for the U.S. government as it seeks to reshape its economic relationship with China. The outcome of the current summit, which runs from May 13 to 15, 2026, will determine the trajectory of agricultural exports and technology restrictions between the two superpowers.
Speaking with Bloomberg Television on Thursday, Greer addressed the unpopularity of trade barriers. "I haven’t yet met a country where we’ve imposed tariffs and said, ‘thank you—we love these tariffs,'" Greer said [1]. Despite this, he said the tariffs are intended to stay in place to maintain a position of strength during negotiations [1].
While tariffs remain a focal point, other high-tech restrictions have taken a backseat. Greer said U.S. export controls on semiconductor chips were not a major topic of discussions with Chinese officials in Beijing [2]. This suggests that the U.S. may view these security-related controls as non-negotiable elements separate from broader trade concessions [2].
Greer identified a specific area for growth in the bilateral relationship: American agriculture. He said the U.S. expects China to commit billions of dollars [3] in U.S. farm purchases as part of the next phase of the trade relationship [3]. This commitment would provide a direct economic benefit to U.S. farmers who have faced volatility due to previous trade disputes [1].
There are conflicting reports regarding the future of the Section 301 tariffs. While Greer said they would remain, some reports suggest both nations are discussing ways to reduce or roll back these tariffs to repair trade damage [4]. The U.S. delegation continues to weigh the benefit of maintaining leverage against the desire to stabilize global markets [1].
“"I haven’t yet met a country where we’ve imposed tariffs and said, ‘thank you—we love these tariffs.'"”
The U.S. strategy appears to be a 'carrot and stick' approach. By maintaining Section 301 tariffs and semiconductor controls, the U.S. preserves its primary tools of economic pressure. Simultaneously, the push for billions in agricultural purchases offers China a path to ease tensions through commercial cooperation without requiring the U.S. to compromise on national security or trade enforcement.
