From Tariffs to Truce: Did China Just Out-Negotiate Our Louboutins Off?

The Art of the Deal (Or Steal?)

So I heard the news. China and the U.S. have reached some sort of agreement a 'tariff pause,' as they call it. Ninety days of peace or at least a cease fire in this economic battlefield. But darling it seems like Beijing is strutting around like they just won the Met Gala of trade. Are they really saying their 'defiant public posture' is what got them here? Is that even a thing? I mean I've tried that with parking tickets but it usually ends with me writing a bigger check.

From 145% to...30%? It's a Markdown!

Apparently the Chinese convinced the Trump administration to roll back those tariffs. From 145% to 30%. Sounds like a sample sale at Barneys doesn't it? In return they promised to ease up on their counter tariffs. And the Chinese public? They are all over social media about it with hashtags. It's like when Aidan got engaged only on a much much larger scale. I mean at least it wasn't a Post It note!

Ancestor Worship and Trade Deals

One Chinese user even quoted their ancestors: 'Our ancestors didn't cave in why should we give up what we have?' Seriously? Bringing ancestors into trade negotiations? I mean I’ve invoked Coco Chanel for fashion advice but never in a board meeting. Though maybe I should! 'As Coco Chanel said pearls always work... even when discussing import duties.'

Promise Fatigue? Sounds Like My Dating Life

The article mentions 'promise fatigue' with Beijing. Oh honey I know all about promise fatigue. It's that feeling you get when you've heard 'I'll call you' one too many times. Apparently foreign execs and officials are tired of China talking the talk but not walking the walk. Been there. Done that. Bought the t shirt. Though I never bought a t shirt. Too pedestrian. A silk scarf maybe.

Consultation Mechanism? Is that Code for 'Let's Talk'?

They are going to work on a 'consultation mechanism.' Translation: more meetings. More talking. More wondering if anyone is actually listening. And China is being all shady about rare earth mineral exports. It's like they are dangling a carrot in front of a bunny rabbit. Though in this case it's crucial to U.S. industry. It's all so Machiavellian isn't it? Like trying to figure out if Big is really 'The One.'

Is This Real Love or Just a Temporary Truce?

So the deal has given the markets a little boost. Everyone's feeling a bit more optimistic. But is it real? Or is it just a temporary reprieve? Just a way to buy some time before the next round of drama? Kind of like when you think you've found the perfect dress and then you see the price tag. Only this time the price tag is the future of global economics. I'm sure this will make great story for my column though. I wonder is there really is a perfectly balanced trade relationship out there? Or is it just another urban myth like a man who cleans his own apartment?