U.S. and Chinese Trade Chiefs to Meet Ahead of Trump–Xi Summit
Xi has reportedly shown caution following the military campaign in Iran, which resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Quick overview
- Top U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators will meet in mid-March to discuss trade agreements ahead of a summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.
- The meeting comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly following U.S. military actions in the Middle East.
- Key topics for discussion include Chinese purchase commitments for Boeing aircraft and U.S. soybeans, as well as the future of Taiwan.
- Concerns over U.S. tariff policies and their impact on trade relations are also expected to be a significant part of the talks.
The meeting between the two representatives aims to build bridges at a time of intense geopolitical tension.
Top U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators are set to meet in mid-March, in talks that will precede the anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates following the coordinated U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are scheduled to meet in Paris late next week to discuss potential trade agreements ahead of the leaders’ summit, according to Bloomberg News.
Although Trump is expected to travel to Beijing at the end of March, Xi has reportedly shown caution following the military campaign in Iran, which resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.
Another issue weighing on Beijing is the U.S. president’s tariff policy, particularly whether he will maintain temporary levies following the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Key issues on the agenda
Chinese purchase commitments — particularly involving Boeing aircraft and U.S. soybeans — are expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The aerospace giant is reportedly in talks to sell up to 500 aircraft to China, which represents the world’s second-largest aviation market. However, orders have stalled amid bilateral tensions. While Boeing previously delivered roughly a quarter of its aircraft to China, it has not secured a major deal since Trump’s first term.
Last month, Trump said China was considering increasing U.S. soybean imports to 20 million metric tons for the current season, though elevated prices and thin margins have fueled skepticism. Beijing’s last major soybean purchase occurred in late October, shortly before the most recent meeting between the two leaders.
The report also suggests that the future of Taiwan could be addressed. In recent years, Beijing has intensified military exercises around the democratically governed island in an effort to reinforce its sovereignty claims.
- Check out our free forex signals
- Follow the top economic events on FX Leaders economic calendar
- Trade better, discover more Forex Trading Strategies
- Open a FREE Trading Account
- Read our latest reviews on: Avatrade, Exness, HFM and XM
