US reaches deal to allow exports of natural gas, beef to China

Washington

THE United States has reached an agreement for China to provide greater access to US natural gas exporters as part of a broader effort to begin reshaping the trade relationship between the world's two largest economies, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said.

The agreement covers 10 areas where trade negotiators from the US and China have reached consensus, including agricultural trade and market access for financial services. By mid-July, US beef producers will have broader access to Chinese markets, while America will move forward on allowing the import of cooked poultry from China, according to a joint statement announcing the deal.