WASHINGTON — The United States and China have outlined reciprocal recommendations covering about $60 billion in bilateral goods trade that could receive more favourable tariff treatment, marking a limited easing step while leaving implementation subject to each side’s procedures.
Under the framework, the two countries have identified about $30 billion of non-sensitive goods on each side.
The US Trade Representative described the lists as recommendations for products that could benefit from more favourable tariff treatment in the future, making clear that the announcement should not be treated as evidence that every listed tariff reduction has already taken effect.
About $30 billion on each side
The US side says the framework covers non-sensitive trade including agricultural products and medical devices among American exports, while Chinese goods identified for possible improved treatment include household products, toys and other consumer items.
The combined value of the two directions of trade is around $60 billion.
Reuters reported that the two governments agreed to pursue the reciprocal tariff reductions, while implementation timing remains tied to the required domestic processes.
The distinction between an agreed framework and tariffs already in force is important for companies making import, export and pricing decisions.
Until the relevant procedures are completed and the applicable tariff schedules take effect, businesses need to rely on the legally operative rates rather than the headline value of the proposed trade coverage.
Strategic sectors remain outside the limited framework
The initiative focuses on goods the two sides classify as non-sensitive, meaning it does not resolve the larger set of disputes that have shaped US-China trade relations.
Strategic technology, industrial policy and other areas of economic competition remain separate from this limited tariff initiative.
The two countries have also continued broader trade discussions while seeking to prevent renewed escalation in their tariff dispute.
For exporters, the significance of the new lists will depend on which individual products ultimately receive reduced treatment, the size of the tariff change and when the new rates become legally effective.
The immediate development is therefore a reciprocal framework covering roughly $30 billion of goods from each country, rather than a blanket $60 billion removal of tariffs.
Further notices from the US and Chinese authorities will be needed to establish the final implementation details and effective dates.