News

U.S & China to discuss trade deal concerns

The U.S. and China will be discussing trade again in less than two weeks.   Multiple media reports say August 15^th will be the date when the two countries discuss China’s compliance with the Phase One bilateral trade deal signed earlier this year.

The Phase One deal called for China to boost purchases of U.S. agricultural goods to about 36.5 billion dollars, and total U.S. goods by 200-billion dollars in two years.  So far, China’s purchases of agricultural goods is below 2017 levels and nowhere near the goals of the agreement.

The trade discussions might be difficult as tensions have risen between the two countries since the coronavirus outbreak, China’s restrictions in Hong Kong, and China’s treatment of Uighurs Muslims in western China.  The U.S. also has concerns about cybersecurity, including the use of the social media app TikTok.

The discussions including U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and China’s Vice Premier are expected to be done virtually.