Archives of “Robert Lighthizer” tag

rss

China deal remains ‘very close’ after call yesterday between top deputies

  
  Analysis
#  #  #

Lighthizer spoke with Liu He

Politico reports that a phase one deal remains “very close” because a source believes China will come through with significant concessions on IP and that the sides aren’t too far apart on which tariffs will be removed.
There was a call between the main players Monday night (USTR Robert Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He) so at least talks are continuing toward some type of announcement. Still no word on exactly when such an announcement would take place.
The article was out about 15 mins ago. Read it here.
Update: White House advisor Conway is now out saying some sticking points in discussions remain.

US and China negotiators had ‘constructive discussions’ on Saturday

  
  Analysis
#  #  #  #  #  #  #  #

Steve Mnuchin and Robert Lighthizer spoke with Liu He on Saturday

Steve Mnuchin and Robert Lighthizer spoke with Liu He on Saturday
Chinese officials held a phone call with US counterparts at the White House’s request on Saturday, according to a statement from the Chinese Commerce Ministry.
The sides held “constructive discussions” on each other’s core concerns and agreed to maintain close communication, the statement said.
On Thursday, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow boosted markets when he said negotiations are in the final stages though “not done yet.”
There has been no word on whether the US has accepted China’s demand that tariffs be scaled back. Nor has China signaled it will put a dollar figure on agricultural purchases; along with a host of other issues.

Chinese companies looking to buy U.S. farm products -Xinhua

  
Analysis, Politics
#  #  #  #  #  #  #  #  #  #  #

Some Chinese companies are seeking new purchases of U.S. agricultural products, China’s official Xinhua News Agency said on Sunday, citing authorities, as Beijing and Washington look for ways to end a protracted trade war.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed at last month’s G-20 summit in Osaka to restart trade talks that stalled in May.

Trump said at the time he would not impose new tariffs and U.S. officials said China agreed to make agricultural purchases. But Trump said on July 11 that China was not living up to promises to buy U.S. farm goods.

Chinese businesses have made inquiries with U.S. exporters to buy crops and agricultural products and applied for the lifting of tariffs, Xinhua said, citing Chinese authorities. China’s Customs Tariff Commission will arrange for experts to appraise the Chinese companies’ tariff exclusion applications, Xinhua said.

“Relevant Chinese departments expressed hope that the United States would meet China halfway, and earnestly implement the United States’ relevant promises,” the news agency said, without elaborating.

The world’s two largest economies have been embroiled in a tariff battle since July 2018, as the United States presses China to address what it sees as decades of unfair and illegal trading practices. (more…)

Go to top