Li Chenggang, China's International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, concluded his visit to Washington D.C. on August 29, 2025, following discussions on bilateral economic and trade relations. The three-day visit, from August 27 to August 29, took place during an ongoing tariff truce between the United States and China, which is currently set to remain in effect until November 9, 2025.
The current tariff truce, first agreed upon in May 2025, has led to a suspension of escalating tariffs. Under this agreement, tariffs are generally around 30% on Chinese imports into the U.S. and 10% on U.S. goods entering China. This pause in trade measures followed previous rounds of talks held in Geneva, London, and Stockholm, reflecting a continuous effort to stabilize the economic relationship between the two nations.
Li Chenggang's itinerary included meetings with representatives from key U.S. government bodies, such as the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. These engagements were characterized as informal talks aimed at fostering dialogue and managing existing differences, rather than formal negotiation sessions.
The discussions focused on critical materials and products, including rare earth elements, U.S. technology products, and agricultural goods like soybeans. These areas highlight the multifaceted nature of the economic interdependence between the two countries.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed a commitment to working with the United States to resolve issues through equal dialogue. The ongoing truce provides a period of stability for businesses and helps to mitigate supply chain volatility, although underlying tensions persist. The engagement underscores a commitment to communication and finding pathways for mutual understanding as the global trade landscape evolves.