US and China discuss cutting duties on agricultural products and energy

The US and China are discussing possible duty cuts on selected goods, including US agricultural products and energy shipments. According to sources, the talks could form part of a broader agreement ahead of an expected meeting between the leaders of the two countries.

The discussions involve reciprocal duty cuts under an earlier plan covering around $30 bln in trade. In addition to US agricultural and energy exports, the two sides are also considering lower duties on Chinese industrial inputs used by US manufacturers.

Agriculture remains one of the key issues in the negotiations. Representatives of Chinese state-owned grain trader Cofco may join the delegation during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US, where he is expected to meet President Donald Trump.

China is also continuing to make progress on its commitments to purchase US soybeans. Beijing previously agreed to buy 25 mln tons of US soybeans annually through 2028, and this year’s purchases have already exceeded half of that volume. Separately, China also committed to buying at least $17 bln worth of other US agricultural products annually.

The potential agreements have not yet been finalized, and neither US nor Chinese trade authorities have issued official comments. However, a reduction in duties could signal an extension of the trade truce reached by the two countries in October 2025.

Tags: China, duty, agricultural products, USA, energy