The U.S. and China agreed to reduce tariffs on dozens of goods following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit.
The announcement, which suggests a de-escalation in the two countries’ trade war, came after Mr. Xi met with President Trump in Washington in one of four face-to-face meetings the two leaders plan to have this year.
China and the U.S. “reached consensus on recommendations for more favorable tariff treatment for $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction,” White House officials said.
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Specifically, the deal applies to U.S. exports of agricultural goods, fish and seafood, logs and wood products, cosmetics and medical devices and to imports of small appliances, toys, holiday decorations, and children’s car seats.
China also agreed to import at least 10 million tons of coal from the United States in 2027 and 2028, White House officials said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the frequent face-to-face meetings between Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi enable historic deal-making.
“Four times. And that’s never happened before. And each time, we have more deliverables.” Mr. Bessent said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
He said Mr. Xi also agreed with Mr. Trump that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, which is a blow to Tehran since China is the chief economic supporter of the Islamic regime.
“We have a president now who the Chinese respect, and the leaders’ relationship drives the whole agenda,” Mr. Bessent said.
After Mr. Xi’s departure, Mr. Trump said the two leaders would meet again in China in November, as well as in Miami in December at the G20 summit.
Mr. Trump previously met with Mr. Xi in Beijing in May.
Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, said the two countries sought to set aside dozens of goods to exclude from trade wars.
“If we have trade disputes in the future, if there are tariff measures in the future, we just leave those things to the side,” he said Friday on CNBC.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the terms.
The White House also announced that the two countries established the “U.S.-China Super Intelligence Dialogue” to exchange views on artificial intelligence.
Many in the U.S. remain highly suspicious of China’s good faith in negotiations.
Ahead of the meeting, GOP Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi warned the president not to get too friendly with Mr. Xi.
“Our commander in chief should keep in mind that his guest is a brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America,” Mr. Wicker said.
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