Beijing has been canvassing companies and waiving duties on American goods in sectors where it lacks alternatives.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be cancelled on Thursday, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing. China also clarified it has not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.S. government suggesting there had been engagement.

Levies on certain U.S.-made microchips have been dropped, importers say. Meanwhile, China denied President Trump’s claims that talks to reduce tariffs are happening.

President Trump said that “we’re meeting with China” on tariffs, comments aimed at soothing jittery financial markets. But Chinese officials say no talks have taken place.

The back-and-forth added to the uncertainty surrounding Trump's erratic tariff policy, not just around China, but also as it pertains to the dozens of countries scrambling to strike their own deals.