Mnuchin says Trump could sign a pact with China now, but wants a "good" deal

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that President Donald Trump could sign a pact with China at any time, but that he is focused on reaching the best possible deal for American workers.

"The president is right: he can make an agreement at any time, but he only wants to make a good deal," Mnuchin told CNBC of the White House.

"And let me remind you that these discussions have been going on for two and a half years," he added. "And President Trump will only accept an agreement if it's a good deal, one that is good for American businesses and workers."

Although talks between the world's two largest economies have been volatile in recent months, Trump said on Wednesday that he would delay an upcoming tariff hike on China, in a "gesture of goodwill."

"The president has delayed him as a result of a request from the Deputy Prime Minister," said Mnoutchine. "The perception that we raised prices on October 1, which is their 70th birthday, has caused them grave concerns about symbolism."

The slightly optimistic dialogue that has taken place in recent weeks between the United States and China comes after a summer of volatility between the two largest economies in the world.

Trump abruptly ended a ceasefire with China on Aug. 1 by announcing tariffs of 10 percent on Chinese goods valued at $ 300 billion, some of which came into effect on September 1st. The President has postponed the introduction of certain obligations aimed at shopping season.

China responded in kind later in August by introducing , effective September 1 and December 15, the two dates of entry into force of Trump's tariffs on Beijing products. He also confirmed that he is in light of the new tariffs of the Trump administration.

When asked Thursday whether Trump could agree on a temporary deal softened to secure the US economy ahead of the 2020 elections, Mnuchin said the president still had all the options at his disposal. Including higher taxes on imports from China.

"The president is a negotiator and he is ready to keep these tariffs in place, he is ready to raise tariffs if we have to raise tariffs," Mnuchin said. "As for agriculture, we expect and we want them to buy agriculture.We consider this as a personal attack on our farmers.They need our agriculture."

"It's not just about selling them soy, but we want to sell them soy," he said.