** Analysis of the suspension of customs duties between the United States and China: a step towards cooperation? **
Kinshasa, May 12, 2025 (ACP)-Following a series of intensive negotiations, a compromise was reached between the United States and China, the two largest global economic powers, allowing to suspend for 90 days part of the prohibitive customs duties which had been erected over the trade tensions. This announcement, although welcoming caution by certain observers, opens the way to reflections on the evolution of international relations and world trade.
### The historical context of trade tensions
Relations between the United States and China have long been marked by fluctuations in friendship and rivalry. For several years, the two countries have engaged in commercial wars, each of the parties deploying retaliatory customs measures. In April 2025, Washington had climbed the situation by bringing customs duties to Chinese products at 145 %, a decision that aroused an equally strong response from Beijing. This cycle of response and counterattack created not only economic, but also political instability, with repercussions on other nations and sectors.
### The implications of the suspension of customs duties
With the suspension announced, illustrated by a lowering of customs duties at 30 % for Chinese products in the United States and 10 % for American products in China, an opportunity to descend tensions. This gesture has a symbolic significance: it reflects a common desire to restore balanced exchanges and find common ground. The declaration of the American secretary to the Treasury, Scott Bessent, underlines that the two nations defended their interests, but it is crucial to wonder if this approach, based on compromise, is robust enough to generate lasting profits.
### Reactions from stakeholders
The reaction of China, which praised “substantial progress,” raises questions about the continuity of this climate of cooperation. Could this perspective of appeasement go beyond a simple temporary suspension? The Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman expressed the hope of increased cooperation. Nevertheless, the mention of a “poor practice” concerning the unilateral increases in customs rights invites us to question how the international community could work together to correct these imbalances.
## This consequences for the global economy
In an interconnected world, economic decisions of power like the United States or China have major repercussions on the economies of third-party nations. Companies and industries that depend on international supply chains must navigate an uncertain landscape. The suspension of customs duties could offer a respite to economic actors, allowing them to reflect on long -term strategies rather than fighting for their short -term survival.
### Towards a vision of the future: what remains to do?
The customs duties suspension agreement is a positive step, but it raises fundamental questions about the future of bilateral relations. What structures can be implemented to ensure that discussions on sensitive subjects continue in a constructive framework? How to involve other countries in this negotiation dynamic to avoid harmful isolation?
To answer these questions, an in -depth dialogue is necessary, involving not only the governments of the two countries, but also private actors, non -governmental organizations and think tanks. The creation of discussion forums could promote open communication and an understanding of the various issues that influence relationships.
### Conclusion
The suspension of customs duties between the United States and China is an advance that deserves to be observed closely. Although it marks a moment of appeasement, it is only an element of a much broader economic and political picture. Vigilance and international cooperation remain essential to ensure that this step towards reconciliation is transformed into a lasting commitment to a more balanced and equitable global economy. In this context, it is up to all actors to help build bridges rather than erect walls.