# trade
Latest news and articles about trade
Total: 13 articles found

Beijing and Washington Explore a Working Mechanism to Manage Trade and Investment Frictions
China and the United States discussed creating a working mechanism to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation, amid talks about tariff levels, possible extensions of tariff‑related arrangements, and mutual economic concerns. Beijing expressed worry about uncertainty from recent US tariff adjustments, while both sides agreed to pursue stability in economic ties.

Soybeans as a Barometer: China’s Silence on U.S. Purchases Clouds Trump’s China Visit
Soybeans are expected to be a central topic in preparatory talks ahead of President Trump’s scheduled late‑March China visit, but China has not signaled any fresh ‘‘goodwill’’ purchases. Commercial factors — abundant, cheaper Brazilian supplies and a 13% U.S. tariff — combined with geopolitical and legal uncertainties have left markets lowering expectations for a rapid trade breakthrough.

Stranded and Resilient: How Chinese Workers in the Middle East Are Weathering a Sudden Regional War
A sudden escalation of hostilities in late February exposed thousands of Chinese expatriates in the Middle East to direct risk, testing both their contingency plans and regional authorities’ crisis-management. While some evacuated via flights and overland routes, many stayed, citing stable supplies and government support; the incident highlights the need for more resilient business models and deepens the strategic significance of the Gulf as a tested hub for Chinese trade and investment.

Merz’s Beijing Visit Yields Potential Windfall for Airbus — and a Test of Sino‑European Economic Pitch
During a two‑day visit to Beijing, German chancellor Friedrich Merz said China plans to buy up to 120 Airbus aircraft, underscoring the commercial payoff of high‑level diplomacy. The potential order reinforces Airbus’s foothold in China, complicates the competitive landscape with Boeing ahead of a U.S. presidential visit, and spotlights ongoing Sino‑German dialogue on trade imbalances and export controls.

Ottawa Seeks a Trade Bulwark Against U.S. Coercion: Pushing an EU–CPTPP Bridge
Canada is leading exploratory talks to link the European Union and CPTPP members through harmonised rules of origin and cumulation arrangements, creating a large trade grouping intended to shield supply chains from unilateral U.S. tariff threats. The plan is technically complex and politically sensitive, but it signals a strategic move by middle powers to build alternative economic architecture amid U.S. unpredictability.

China’s Open Door and a Fracturing G7: Why Western Leaders Are Visiting While Trump Stands Alone
A series of recent visits by G7 leaders to Beijing has highlighted a pragmatic turn among Western governments toward economic engagement with China, driven by market incentives and dissatisfaction with perceived U.S. unpredictability. The trend reflects hedging rather than alliance abandonment and raises challenges for U.S. influence if Washington cannot offer steadier, credible leadership.

Xi and Starmer Agree to Reset: Beijing and London Pledge a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership
Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Beijing on January 29 and agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership," a diplomatic formulation Beijing says reflects a new vision for bilateral ties. The declaration signals a mutual interest in resetting relations but leaves major political and security questions open, making concrete follow‑through crucial.

China Kicks Off APEC “China Year” with Senior Officials Meeting in Guangzhou
China will host APEC’s first senior officials meeting and related events in Guangzhou from February 1–10, launching the country’s 2026 APEC presidency under the theme of an Asia‑Pacific community for common prosperity. The meetings aim to operationalize priorities of openness, innovation and cooperation ahead of the leaders’ informal summit in November.

Guangdong Keeps China’s Economic Crown — but the Next Leap Will Be Harder
Guangdong maintained its position as China’s largest provincial economy in 2025, driven by strong foreign trade, rapid expansion of high‑tech manufacturing and sustained R&D investment. The province plans to target 4.5%–5% GDP growth in 2026 while pivoting into new sectors such as the low‑altitude economy, but faces headwinds from SME digitalisation gaps and modest fiscal revenue growth.

China to Host Uruguay’s President Orsi in First State Visit, Pushing Strategic Partnership and Belt and Road Ties
China has invited Uruguay’s President Orsi for a state visit during which Xi Jinping will discuss strengthening a comprehensive strategic partnership and advancing Belt and Road cooperation. The trip is a diplomatic milestone that could yield trade and infrastructure deals, while also reflecting Beijing’s broader push to deepen ties in Latin America amid great‑power competition.

Tariff Brinkmanship: U.S. Threat of 100% Duties Pushes Canada to ‘Buy Domestic’
President Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa strikes unspecified deals with other countries, prompting Canada’s prime minister—named in Chinese reports as "Kani"—to urge citizens to buy domestic and accelerate trade diversification. The exchange highlights mounting bilateral tensions, tangible economic vulnerabilities in energy and manufacturing supply chains, and Ottawa’s push to reduce reliance on the U.S. market.

U.S. Treasury Says China Is Delivering Rare Earths and Soybeans — but Risks Linger
At Davos U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said China has fulfilled commitments to purchase U.S. soybeans and to supply rare earths, with rare‑earth flows reportedly above 90 percent compliance. Officials present this as a pragmatic easing of trade tensions, but farmers’ doubts and the strategic concentration of rare‑earth processing in China mean risks remain.