The U.S. and China are still trying to put the final touches on a limited trade agreement that will involve Chinese purchases of U.S. ag commodities. The question appears to be just how much those purchases will amount to. A CNBC report says the two sides appear to be stuck in a stalemate, even though they announced a tentative agreement a month ago.

 

A Wall Street Journal report says China is hesitant about writing down a specific amount of agricultural purchases in the actual text of the trade agreement.

 

President Donald Trump said last month that China had agreed to purchase up to $50 billion in U.S. farm products. The two sides are still expecting to sign the limited trade agreement later this month.

 

China is still insisting that the two sides roll back their tariffs as part of the agreement, something the U.S. opposes. White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow tells CNBC that no agreement will be made on rolling back tariffs until the trade deal is signed. He did say the U.S. and China have progressed in talks on subjects like IP theft, financial services, currency stability, commodities, and agriculture. The administration has slapped tariffs on more than $500 billion in Chinese imports, while China has retaliated with duties on $10 billion worth of American imports.

 

 

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