US and China Hold Inaugural Bilateral Board of Trade Meeting via Video Conference

The United States and China held the first official meeting of their bilateral Board of Trade on Friday, November 13, 2026. Conducted via video conference, the session served as a platform for the two nations to address ongoing economic and trade concerns. Chinese media reported that the meeting was organized under the framework of the US-China economic and trade consultation mechanism. The meeting included participation from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) and the US Department of the Treasury.

Trade Discussions and Tariff Arrangements

The discussions during the inaugural meeting focused on several critical areas of economic cooperation. According to Chinese media, the topics included agricultural trade and various tariff issues. A significant part of the dialogue involved a reciprocal tariff reduction arrangement described as a 300 billion for 300 billion arrangement. This mechanism aims to address the economic interests of both nations through balanced trade adjustments.

The Office of the US Trade Representative stated that the United States looks forward to continuing engagement with China to build a fair and balanced trade relationship. The meeting was officially announced by the Ministry of Commerce of China, marking a formal step in the ongoing economic dialogue between the two global powers.

Background and Future Consultations

The establishment of this Board of Trade follows a previous agreement reached during a summit in Beijing. During that May meeting, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping agreed to create this specific body to manage bilateral economic interests. This institutionalized approach is intended to build a stable strategic relationship between the United States and China.

This video conference was held as a preparatory step for upcoming high-level diplomacy. The discussions took place ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping in Shenzhen. By utilizing the economic and trade consultation mechanism, both nations seek to resolve long-standing concerns and maintain a predictable economic environment.

Strategic Objectives

The primary goal of these ongoing discussions is to resolve economic and trade concerns while fostering a stable strategic relationship. By engaging through the Board of Trade, both the United States and China are working to manage their complex economic ties. The participation of key agencies, such as the US Department of the Treasury, highlights the importance of these negotiations for the broader global economy.

Glossary

• Beijing — Beijing is an urban area that contains many well-known primary schools. It also contains nurseries and kindergartens for children.