United States and China hold first bilateral trade council meeting via videoconference

The United States and China held their first bilateral trade council meeting via videoconference on Friday, November 13, 2026. The session focused on the implementation of reciprocal tariff reductions for goods valued at approximately USD 60 billion. This meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming APEC summit scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, in Shenzhen.

Trade mechanism and tariff reductions

The discussions during the videoconference included agricultural trade and various other matters of mutual interest. While the meeting addressed significant economic sectors, no new concrete agreements were announced by the participating parties. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the exchanges were frank, profound, and constructive.

The current bilateral trade mechanism was first established during a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing in May 2026. This mechanism underwent further development during negotiations in September 2026. Those negotiations included a package for tariff reductions totaling USD 30 billion per party. The agreed September package covers specific categories of goods, including Chinese toys, appliances, and household goods, as well as U.S. meat, cereals, coal, and medical equipment.

Once internal procedures are completed, more than 90% of the products involved are expected to be exempt from additional mutual tariffs. This reduction aims to stabilize trade relations between the two nations as they navigate complex economic landscapes.

Diplomatic context and upcoming summits

The current negotiations occur against the backdrop of an existing trade truce. This truce was originally reached in October 2025 and was subsequently extended in September 2026. The current extension remains in effect until January 10, 2027. This timeline provides a window for the bilateral trade council to finalize frameworks for long-term economic stability.

The geopolitical landscape remains central to these economic discussions. The APEC summit in Shenzhen is expected to feature a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Furthermore, the White House confirmed a planned trilateral meeting involving Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. These high-level engagements will likely address broader international relations alongside the specific trade issues currently being managed by the bilateral trade council.

Glossary

• Shenzhen — Shenzhen is a location in China that hosts the Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (CIEP). It serves as the venue for this annual event organized by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government.
• Chinese Ministry of Commerce — The Chinese Ministry of Commerce is a government body that, along with the Ministry of Public Security and the General Administration of Customs, is responsible for certifying the export of used cars from China.
• trade truce — A trade truce is an existing agreement that provides a window for bilateral trade councils to finalize frameworks for long-term economic stability.