The United States and China held their first Trade Council meeting via video conference on Friday, discussing tariffs, agricultural trade and reciprocal tariff reductions as the world’s two largest economies sought to manage longstanding trade tensions and strengthen bilateral economic engagement.
China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed the meeting on Saturday, saying the discussions took place under the bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism established to address outstanding trade issues.
According to the ministry, representatives from both countries held “frank, in-depth, and constructive” discussions focused on implementing agreements reached during previous negotiations.
The talks were guided by the consensus established between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with both sides seeking to advance commitments made during earlier discussions.
Among the issues considered were existing tariffs, agricultural trade and a reciprocal tariff reduction arrangement described as “30 billion for 30 billion”.
The two sides also exchanged views on other matters affecting bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
In a separate announcement on social media platform X, the Office of the United States Trade Representative said the Trump administration was establishing a US-China board of trade to facilitate commerce in non-sensitive products.
The initiative is intended to create opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, fishermen, small businesses, manufacturers and workers by supporting trade in selected sectors.
Washington indicated that the new mechanism would focus on areas where economic cooperation could proceed without compromising its broader trade priorities.
However, the US administration maintained that substantial tariffs on Chinese products would remain in place to address what it described as unfair trading practices and protect American economic interests.
The administration argued that maintaining trade restrictions in certain areas while pursuing balanced commerce in others could contribute to greater stability in relations between the two countries.
The proposed approach reflects Washington’s intention to preserve economic engagement with China while continuing to apply pressure over disputed trade practices.
Beijing, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in resolving outstanding disagreements.
China’s Commerce Ministry said both countries had agreed to maintain communication through existing consultation mechanisms, address unresolved trade concerns and explore opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
The ministry also highlighted the need to narrow differences through negotiations and implement agreements already reached between the two governments.
The discussions come amid continuing efforts by Washington and Beijing to manage trade disputes that have affected tariffs, market access and agricultural exports.
While significant disagreements remain over trade policies, both governments have signalled an interest in maintaining channels of communication and pursuing cooperation in areas of shared economic interest.
The inaugural Trade Council meeting represents another step in those efforts, although neither side announced a comprehensive new trade agreement following the discussions.