China, US discuss tariffs, farm trade ahead of Xi-Trump meeting in Shenzhen

[BEIJING] China and the United States discussed tariff cuts, agricultural trade and other issues at their first trade council meeting on Friday (Nov 13), China’s Commerce Ministry said on Saturday, days ahead of an expected leaders’ meeting in Shenzhen next week.

“The two sides held candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on implementing the outcomes of previous China-US economic and trade talks, including tariffs, a reciprocal ‘US$30 billion-for-US$30 billion’ tariff-cut arrangement, agricultural trade and other issues of mutual concern,” the ministry said.

It did not say whether any agreements were reached. Both sides will continue using the council to address trade concerns, expand cooperation and reduce outstanding issues, the ministry added.

Following a September summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Washington, the two sides proposed a US$60 billion package of reciprocal tariff cuts, including roughly US$17 billion worth of US farm goods that China imported in 2024, but the plan has yet to be finalised.

Chinese purchases of US farm goods other than soybeans are on track to hit a seven-year low in 2026, despite an agreement to buy US$17 billion annually through 2028, a Reuters analysis of customs data showed earlier in November, underscoring persistent uncertainty over the deal.

Beijing has repeatedly urged Washington to implement the US$60 billion tariff-reduction deal, calling it a prerequisite for increasing purchases of US farm goods.

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The White House said Trump will meet Xi on Nov 19 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Shenzhen. REUTERS