China commerce ministry details preliminary outcomes of U.S. trade talks

China’s Ministry of Commerce said on May 20 that it was elaborating on preliminary outcomes from recent China-U.S. economic and trade consultations, adding detail to an earlier official readout that described the talks as producing positive results.

The ministry said the areas covered include tariff arrangements, agricultural trade, rare earth export controls and aircraft trade. It said the two sides are still working out the details.

The updated explanation follows an initial May 16 assessment that the consultations had produced early positive outcomes. Xinhua later reported the ministry’s clarification on Tuesday evening, saying the talks also touched on follow-up consultation mechanisms.

Officials have said China and the United States discussed expanding agricultural trade and easing some non-tariff barriers. China also said it will continue reviewing compliant civilian rare-earth export applications under Chinese law.

The latest official statements do not set a timetable for implementation. They indicate that the two sides have agreed on preliminary directions, but the practical scope of any tariff relief, agricultural purchases or aviation-related measures remains under negotiation.

The consultations are part of broader efforts to manage trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The new ministry explanation gives the clearest official picture yet of what the talks covered, but leaves key questions unresolved about how quickly any understandings will turn into policy changes.