The White House is putting a priority on doing business with Beijing as it prepares for bilateral talks next week.

President Donald Trump’s vows to roll out punishing new tariffs on Aug. 1 have barely made a ripple with investors who are convinced he’ll once again back down. But at the White House, officials insist they’re serious this time.

Trump has sent letters to leaders of dozens of countries outlining the tariff levels set to begin on Aug. 1. In recent months, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest tariffs, meaning delays could be possible in the case of the Aug. 1 deadline. The Trump administration appears to have stood largely behind the deadline in recent days, however.

President Trump says he reached a trade agreement with the Philippines following a White House visit by its president. The U.S., the Philippines and other Asian allies are increasing their cooperation to counter China,

April 9: Trump's higher "reciprocal tariffs" begin just after midnight. Hours later, the president says he is issuing a 90-day pause on those duties, except for China. Trump raises tariffs on Chinese goods from 104% to 145%, the highest rate so far this year.

Amid a tense trade war with China, a White House statement that some Chinese goods face 245% tariffs generated confusion in Beijing.. Was it another escalation? No. Trump's new tariffs on China ...

The U.S. now also has a trade framework for 19 percent duties on Philippine imports and 15 percent for Japanese goods entering the US market.

OBAMA'S REBUKE: Former President Barack Obama’s office issued a rebuke of Trump yesterday over his accusation that his predecessor committed “treason” and rigged the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.