Messi on US-China Trade Talks: 'Definitely' Maybe...with a Pinch of Salt!

The 'Definitely' Heard 'Round the World

Hola everyone! Leo Messi here trading my boots for a brief stint as a trade analyst. Seems even I can't escape the US China saga. So these trade talks in Switzerland? Apparently they were 'good'. That's according to China's trade envoy Li Chenggang. When CNBC asked if the dialogues were constructive he said 'definitely.' Just like when I 'definitely' meant to chip that penalty against Chile in the 2016 Copa America final...we all saw how that went! (Still stings a bit not gonna lie.) Seriously though 'definitely' without details? Sounds like a well placed free kick that hits the wall!

Trump's Call That Wasn't (Yet?)

Trump teased a potential chat with Xi but Beijing's playing it cooler than Piqué under pressure. Analysts think a direct chat between the big bosses would mean real progress which I guess is like when I finally get a decent pass from my teammates – you know something good's about to happen. Remember in football as in trade communication is KEY! As I always say the ball is round and the game is not over until it's over. And the negotiations are not over until the ink is dry.

Tariff Truce: A Temporary Respite or a Clever Fake?

They've agreed to chill on the tariffs for a bit which is like getting a yellow card instead of a red. Gives you a breather but you're still walking on eggshells. This 'communication mechanism' they're setting up? Hopefully it's better than some of the defenses I've faced. Some economists are even popping the champagne thinking China's economy might get a boost. Let’s hope they don't get a VAR review that spoils the party!

The Huawei Hack and Rare Earth Rumble

But hold on the honeymoon's over faster than you can say 'Goooooooool!' The US is wagging its finger at companies using Huawei's AI chips and China's not thrilled. Meanwhile China's got a tight grip on those rare earth minerals which are like the Messi of materials – crucial and irreplaceable (almost!). They’re using them as leverage which is basically like me dribbling past three defenders before deciding whether to pass or shoot...the suspense is real!

Rare Earths: China's Secret Weapon?

Someone at Georgetown thinks China's overplaying the rare earth card. They reckon the US will find another supplier like Canada. It's like saying someone will find another Messi... good luck with that! But hey anything's possible. Also apparently China needs to crack down on the fentanyl flow or there'll be 'a price to pay.' Ouch. Sounds like a straight red card situation!

High Stakes for Beijing: Can They Score a Deal?

An Evercore ISI analyst thinks China has more to lose if the tariff suspension expires. They might try to 'please Trump' to help the Republicans in the midterm elections. Maybe by buying a mountain of MAGA hats? Who knows! If a big deal's off the table they might focus on the fentanyl levies or selling TikTok which is apparently Trump's 'real target.' All I know is these trade talks are more dramatic than a Champions League final with a last minute penalty. You have to fight to reach your dream.