MUMBAI (Commoditiescontrol Bureau) - China announced on Friday that it had agreed on an initial trade deal with the United States, marking a significant de-escalation in the 19-month tariff war that has rattled the world economy.
Wang Shouwen, China’s vice commerce minister, said at a news conference in Beijing that the two sides had made “significant progress” and that the agreement would result in the United States removing some of the tariffs it has placed on USD 360 billion worth of Chinese goods. Those tariffs would come off in phases, he said, and would include additional exemptions for some Chinese exports.
“This will create better conditions for China and the United States to strengthen cooperation,” Mr. Wang said.
The agreement includes a commitment by China to buy more agriculture products and to strengthen laws protecting foreign companies operating there, as well as sections covering intellectual property and currency. Mr. Wang said both sides have agreed to complete legal reviews as quickly as possible and will work out arrangements for an official signing.
The White House has not formally announced an agreement but people familiar with the matter said the two sides had agreed on a deal that would require China to boost purchases of farm products, give American firms more freedom to operate in China and protect American intellectual property.
In return, President Trump is expected to rollback some of the tariffs being collected on USD 360 billion of Chinese goods and delay or cancel another round of tariffs planned for Sunday. Some advisers to the White House said the Chinese had agreed to buy USD 50 billion worth of American farm products next year.