Washington and Beijing Discuss Reducing Trade Tariffs

Trade relations between the United States and China have returned to the forefront of global economic attention, after the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced, today, Saturday November 14, 2026, that new discussions were held between officials from both countries, covering tariffs, agricultural exchange, and mechanisms for implementing previous economic understandings.

Reuters reported that the talks took place on Friday via video conference, in the first meeting of a joint trade council established within the economic consultation mechanism between Washington and Beijing.

The discussions included a proposal for a mutual reduction of trade tariffs worth $30 billion from each side, as part of broader arrangements with a total proposed value of $60 billion.

The talks also addressed the future of U.S. agricultural exports to China, at a time when some U.S. agricultural products are facing a decline in Chinese demand, amid ongoing disputes related to tariffs and trade commitments.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce described the dialogue as frank and constructive, confirming the continued use of the joint council to address differences and develop trade cooperation.

These discussions gain additional importance with the approaching meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Shenzhen, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meetings.

Despite the positive atmosphere described by the Chinese side, no new final agreement on tariff reductions was announced, leaving the results of the talks dependent on continued negotiations and decisions that may be issued during the upcoming summit.