US-China Looking At Trade Deals
Top economic officials from the United States and China concluded another round of high-level negotiations in Paris on Monday, with discussions focusing on agriculture, rare earth minerals, energy exports, and trade cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
The talks could lay the groundwork for potential agreements that may later be finalized by President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who are expected to meet in Beijing later this year.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the meetings between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng were described as stable and productive, raising hopes that progress could be made on several long-standing economic issues.
However, any final decisions will ultimately rest with the two presidents.
Trump Signals Possible Delay In Xi Summit
While discussions between negotiators appeared constructive, President Trump indicated over the weekend that his planned meeting with Xi could still be postponed.
In an interview published Sunday, Trump said he may delay the summit as he continues pressing China to help address security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has recently been disrupted by Iran.
“We may delay,” Trump said when asked about the upcoming visit to China.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Any disruption there has the potential to affect global energy markets and international trade.
Trump has repeatedly argued that countries benefiting from the shipping route—including China—should play a greater role in keeping it open.
China Signals Interest In Buying More U.S. Agriculture
During the Paris negotiations, Chinese officials reportedly expressed openness to expanding purchases of American agricultural products.
Items discussed include:
- Poultry
- Beef
- Corn and other non-soybean crops
China also reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing 25 million metric tons of American soybeans annually over the next three years, a pledge made under the Trump-Xi trade agreement reached in October 2025.
Agricultural exports have long been a key focus of U.S. trade policy with China, particularly for American farmers in major farming states.
Rare Earth Minerals And Critical Supply Chains
Another major topic during the talks involved rare earth minerals, which are essential for modern manufacturing, defense technology, and advanced electronics.
U.S. officials raised concerns about access to Chinese supplies of yttrium, a rare earth element used in jet engine turbines and other aerospace technologies.
One source familiar with the discussions said both sides explored potential ways to ease tensions surrounding critical mineral supplies, though no final agreement has yet been announced.
Ensuring stable access to rare earth minerals has become a major strategic priority for the United States.
U.S. Pushes China To Buy American Energy And Aircraft
American negotiators also emphasized the importance of increasing Chinese purchases of key U.S. exports.
Those exports include:
- Boeing commercial aircraft
- American coal
- Oil and natural gas
Expanding energy and aircraft exports could help strengthen American manufacturing while reducing the trade imbalance between the two nations.
New Trade Cooperation Mechanisms Proposed
Officials also discussed the possible creation of two new economic coordination groups:
U.S.–China Board of Trade
This proposed body would focus on identifying industries where both countries can expand trade while protecting national security and supply chains.
U.S.–China Board of Investment
This group would handle specific investment disputes or concerns between the two countries rather than setting broad economic policies.
Technical discussions on both proposals were expected to continue following Monday’s meetings.
Analysts Expect Progress To Come Gradually
Despite positive signals from the talks, trade experts say major breakthroughs may take time.
The United States is currently focused on multiple global challenges, including the escalating conflict involving Iran, which has placed additional pressure on international diplomacy.
Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator who now heads the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Washington policy center, said progress between Washington and Beijing may unfold over several meetings this year.
“Given that the leaders may meet several times this year, agreements could be rolled out gradually over time,” Cutler said.
Multiple Trump-Xi Meetings Possible In 2026
Several major international events could provide opportunities for additional discussions between Trump and Xi, including:
- A possible visit by Xi to Washington
- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China this November
- The G20 summit hosted by the United States in December
Each meeting could create new opportunities for the two leaders to stabilize economic relations and address major global trade challenges.
For now, the Paris negotiations represent another step toward potential cooperation between two nations whose economic relationship plays a critical role in shaping the global economy.
