Seoul:  President Donald Trump said he expects to lower some of the tariffs on Chinese goods that were introduced because of concerns about chemicals used to make fentanyl. The move comes as the United States and China try to ease tensions in their trade relationship.

Speaking to reporters in Seoul before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said China has started taking steps to stop the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. “We are seeing progress, and I think we can bring those tariffs down soon,” he said.

Earlier this year, the United States placed a 20 percent tariff on many Chinese imports, accusing China of not doing enough to control the flow of fentanyl-related substances. The drug has caused a major health crisis in the United States, leading to thousands of overdose deaths every year.

China has denied responsibility and said it already enforces strict rules on chemical exports. Chinese officials have also accused Washington of using the fentanyl problem as an excuse to increase pressure in trade talks.

Officials from both countries are now discussing a possible agreement that could prevent new tariffs of up to 100 percent on Chinese goods. Talks are also covering other topics such as technology trade and the export of rare earth minerals.

Experts say this move could help calm trade tensions for now, but it does not mean relations between the two countries are fully improving. Many deeper problems remain, such as disputes over technology, intellectual property, and national security.

In the United States, some critics may see lowering tariffs as a weak move. But government officials argue that reducing tariffs could help American businesses and open the door for cooperation with China on stopping fentanyl smuggling.

The outcome of Trump’s meeting with Xi will likely show whether both sides are serious about finding common ground. The United States has said that tariff cuts will only happen if China takes clear and verifiable action to stop the export of fentanyl-related chemicals. Until that happens, the tariffs will stay in place.