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China says tariff cuts with U.S. are under consultation for early implementation

China says tariff cuts with U.S. are under consultation for early implementation

China and the U.S. are gathering feedback on reciprocal tariff reductions covering about $30 billion in trade, focused on non-strategic goods under a new bilateral trade framework.

Fact Check
Multiple independent and authoritative sources confirm the claim. The PANews/Xinhua/MOFCOM report directly states China and the U.S. are soliciting feedback on a $30 billion-each reciprocal tariff reduction framework and pushing for early implementation. The Skadden summary of the USTR notice confirms the parallel U.S. public comment process targeting ~$30 billion in non-sensitive goods under the new U.S.-China Board of Trade framework, excluding semiconductors, rare earths and advanced technology. China Daily corroborates the $30 billion figure and the bilateral board of trade framework agreed in May 2026. All key elements of the claim (~$30 billion scope, non-strategic goods, new bilateral framework, feedback gathering, early implementation) are supported.
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Summary

China and the United States are consulting on reciprocal tariff reductions covering roughly $30 billion in bilateral trade, with both sides seeking feedback before finalizing product-specific cuts and moving toward implementation. China’s Commerce Ministry is soliciting public opinions in parallel with a U.S. public comment process that opened on June 2 and runs through July 10, marking the first concrete policy step under the Board of Trade framework established during the May 2026 meeting between President Trump and President Xi. The proposed cuts are limited to non-strategic goods such as low-end consumer items, certain agricultural products and select energy commodities, while semiconductors, rare earth minerals and advanced technology are excluded because the products under consideration must not pose economic or national security risks. Chinese officials have also said both sides remain in close communication on the structure, functions and operating model of trade and investment councils, suggesting tariff relief and the broader architecture for bilateral economic coordination are being developed in parallel.

Terms & Concepts
  • reciprocal tariff reductions: Mutual cuts in import duties by both sides on agreed categories of goods.
  • Board of Trade: A bilateral mechanism created to provide a structured channel for trade discussions between China and the United States.
  • trade and investment councils: Bilateral bodies under discussion to help organize how trade and investment cooperation would be structured and managed.