. In interviews on the Sunday talk shows, senior Trump administration officials played down talk of a looming trade war, a message that could help calm markets. Appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, “I don’t expect there will be a trade war” and that the U.S.’s intention is to “continue to have discussions with China.”
Tweeting on Sunday, Trump struck a hopeful note that China and the U.S. can reach an accord absent a trade war.
(tweet)--President Xi and I will always be friends, no matter what happens with our dispute on trade. China will take down its Trade Barriers because it is the right thing to do. Taxes will become Reciprocal & a deal will be made on Intellectual Property. Great future for both countries!
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-administration-dials-down-the-rhetoric-on-china-tariffs-2018-04-08