China ties farm purchases to tariff deal after US midterms

· Trade · China · United States

China is open to buying more US farm goods, but only if the two sides implement their reciprocal tariff-cut agreement, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, signalling tariff concessions remain central to Beijing's aims. The remarks came after Democrats' midterm sweep, which analysts say may strengthen China's hand in trade talks while raising risks around Trump's ability to maintain a fragile truce. Democrats gained influence over the trade agenda, but largely cannot override Trump's veto on votes to overturn tariffs. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet for the third time in November.

Why it matters：The world's two largest economies are testing whether a trade truce survives a changed US political landscape, with farm goods and tariffs at stake.

Key points

  • China links more farm purchases to implementing the tariff-cut deal.
  • Democrats gained trade influence but cannot easily override vetoes.
  • Trump and Xi are set to meet for a third time in November.

Sources (original reporting)

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