China and the United States have discussed tariff reductions, agricultural trade and other economic issues during their first trade council meeting, days ahead of an expected meeting between their leaders in Shenzhen.
China’s Commerce Ministry said on Saturday that officials from both sides held discussions on Friday, describing the exchanges as candid, in-depth and constructive.
The talks focused on implementing outcomes from previous China-US economic and trade negotiations, including tariffs, a proposed reciprocal “$30 billion-for-$30 billion” tariff-cut arrangement and agricultural trade.
The ministry did not announce any new agreements, saying both sides would continue using the council to address trade concerns, expand cooperation and resolve outstanding issues.
Proposed $60 Billion Tariff Reduction Package
The discussions follow a September summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.
Following the meeting, the two countries proposed a $60 billion package of reciprocal tariff reductions, including approximately $17 billion worth of US agricultural products that China imported in 2024.
US Lifts Nationwide Flight Ground Stop After Air Traffic Control Failure
However, the proposed arrangement has yet to be finalised.
Beijing has repeatedly urged Washington to implement the tariff-reduction package, describing it as an important condition for expanding Chinese purchases of American agricultural products.
Uncertainty Over US Agricultural Imports
Chinese purchases of US agricultural products other than soybeans are on track to reach a seven-year low this year, according to a Reuters analysis of customs data cited earlier this month.
The development highlights continued uncertainty over the agreement, despite a commitment for China to purchase $17 billion in US agricultural goods annually through 2028.
Trump and Xi Expected to Meet in Shenzhen
The White House said Trump is scheduled to meet Xi on Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Shenzhen.
The upcoming meeting is expected to draw attention to trade relations between the world’s two largest economies, particularly tariff reductions, agricultural purchases and the implementation of previous commitments.
