Trump, Xi Eye November Truce Extension as U.S. Lowers Expectations for Broader Trade Deal
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Sep 21
Trump, Xi Eye November Truce Extension as U.S. Lowers Expectations for Broader Trade Deal
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Sep 21
Summary
U.S. officials are framing this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Washington around extending the trade truce that expires in November, not pursuing a comprehensive new agreement.
Jamieson Greer said the goal is to “manage” the relationship, with analysts expecting at most limited steps on farm trade, nontariff barriers and regular leader-level engagement after last year’s triple-digit tariff clash.
Sunday talks in New York among Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng underscored last-minute preparations, while Beijing elevated negotiator Li Chenggang to international trade representative.
Possible deliverables include tariff carve-outs through a U.S.-China Board of Trade covering some of the $30 billion in Chinese exports under review, plus continued AI dialogue and a proposed warning system on security threats.
The cautious U.S.-China posture comes as Washington also reports progress toward a trade deal with Mexico, while Republican concern grows over Trump’s planned 50% tariffs on more Canadian goods from Jan. 1.