US-China Trade Talks in Paris Set Stage for Trump-Xi Summit

Senior economic officials from the United States and China have begun a fresh round of trade negotiations in Paris, a move widely viewed as a critical step toward a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month. The talks aim to stabilize trade relations between the world’s two largest economies amid ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions.

Key Highlights

• US and China begin trade talks in Paris ahead of expected Trump-Xi summit.
• Discussions focus on agriculture imports, managed trade mechanisms, and stabilizing global economic relations.

The discussions are being led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. According to reports, both sides are exploring potential agreements covering agriculture, critical minerals, and broader “managed trade” arrangements that could be presented during the anticipated leaders’ summit in Beijing.

A key area of negotiation involves China increasing imports of American agricultural products. Sources indicated that Beijing is open to expanding purchases of U.S. farm goods—including poultry, beef, and other crops—while reaffirming a commitment to buy around 25 million metric tonnes of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years.

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The two sides are also discussing the creation of new mechanisms, including a “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment,” designed to manage trade flows and resolve investment disputes between the countries. Additionally, Washington has raised concerns about access to critical minerals used in advanced technologies, while encouraging increased Chinese purchases of U.S. energy and aerospace products.

Officials described the talks as “remarkably stable,” suggesting a constructive atmosphere after years of tariff disputes and trade tensions. However, analysts note that final decisions will depend on agreements reached directly between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the upcoming summit, which could shape the trajectory of global trade and economic cooperation in the months ahead.

If successful, the Paris negotiations could mark a significant step toward easing tensions and strengthening economic engagement between the two economic superpowers.