China and the United States have agreed on a reciprocal tariff-cutting arrangement covering $30 billion worth of goods from each side, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, September 26, as part of the results of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States and his meeting with President Donald Trump.
Agricultural and consumer goods included in the arrangement
The U.S. recommendations for granting more favorable tariff treatment cover U.S. exports to China including agricultural products, fish and seafood, timber and timber products, cosmetics and medical devices.
The Chinese goods covered by the recommendations, meanwhile, include small household appliances, toys, holiday decorations and child car seats, with the arrangement focused on non-sensitive products in trade between the two countries.
Eight understandings reached during Xi’s visit
The tariff arrangement was part of an eight-point consensus announced after Xi’s visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, 2026. The two presidents acknowledged the positive role of the economic and trade consultation mechanism and directed their teams to implement the outcomes they had reached.
The understandings also included launching a China-U.S. dialogue on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, with the next round to be held in November, as well as establishing a communications channel to deal with incidents involving the technology.
A path toward easing trade tensions
The agreement represents another step toward easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, following rounds of consultations focused on implementing previous understandings and improving access for non-sensitive goods to the markets of both countries.
