Fears of pandemic-era shortages at American stores have made a big comeback as shipping-container traffic between China and the U.S. plunged in the wake of President Trump’s tariffs.

China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be canceled 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.

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

An American business group said Chinese officials had surveyed companies about American products that are crucial to their supply chains.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been admitted to hospital with a high fever after returning from a two-day visit to Cambodia, a government official said on Friday.

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.

Beijing is going on an international charm campaign to coax other countries hit hard by “Liberation Day” tariffs to take on the U.S.