U.S.-China Trade Talks Advance as Farm Goods, Rare Earths and Tariffs Take Center Stage

After the Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, the U.S. and China reached a preliminary consensus on agriculture, tariffs, rare earths, aviation, and market access.

The two sides plan to create the U.S.-China Board of Trade and the U.S.-China Board of Investment to manage selected goods trade, tariff talks, agricultural access, non-tariff barriers, critical minerals, and aviation purchases.

1. Agriculture Is a Core Issue

U.S. agricultural exports to China fell 65.7% in 2025 to $8.4 billion, making agriculture a key part of the talks.

Both sides agreed to work on market access issues, including quarantine rules, facility registration, import permits, and technical standards.

The U.S. will also address China’s concerns over Chinese dairy products, aquatic products, and bonsai exports with growing media.

2. China Will Buy at Least $17 Billion in U.S. Farm Goods Each Year

The White House said China agreed to buy at least $17 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually during the rest of 2026, 2027, and 2028.

This does not include China’s October 2025 soybean purchase commitment.

3. U.S. Beef and Poultry Will Get More Access to China

China will work with U.S. regulators to lift suspensions on U.S. beef facilities.

China also renewed more than 400 expired U.S. beef facility listings and added new listings.

China also agreed to resume U.S. poultry imports if the USDA determines the products are free from highly pathogenic avian influenza risk.

4. Rare Earths Are Part of the Deal

China will address U.S. concerns over rare earth and critical mineral shortages, including yttrium, scandium, neodymium, and indium.

The talks will also cover restrictions on rare earth production, processing equipment, and related technologies.

5. China Approved 200 Boeing Aircraft Purchases

China approved the purchase of 200 U.S.-made Boeing aircraft for Chinese airlines.

The U.S. also agreed to supply aircraft engines and related parts to China.

6. The White House Mentioned the Strait of Hormuz

The White House said both countries called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil route disrupted since the Iran war began in February.

China’s Ministry of Commerce statement did not mention this point.

7. Tariffs Are Still Unresolved

China’s Ministry of Commerce said both sides aim to finalize the preliminary agreements “at an early date.”

The bigger issue is tariffs.

The U.S. paused reciprocal tariffs for one year in October 2025. That pause is set to expire on November 10, 2026.

Some Section 301 tariff exclusions are also set to last until the same date.

But in May 2026, the USTR began reviewing the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports imposed during Trump’s first term.

Bottom line: the meeting produced progress, but U.S.-China trade costs are still uncertain. November 10, 2026 is the key date to watch.