China’s commerce ministry on Saturday described the tariff, agricultural and aircraft arrangements reached during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit as “preliminary,” signalling that key elements of the deal remain under negotiation despite high-level talks with President Xi Jinping.
Trump concluded a two-day visit to Beijing on Friday after meetings marked by ceremonial displays and positive rhetoric, though with limited disclosure of concrete trade and investment outcomes.
According to the ministry, both sides agreed in principle to establish an investment board and a trade board aimed at negotiating reciprocal tariff reductions, including broader cuts covering unspecified goods such as agricultural products.
The ministry said discussions also focused on easing non-tariff barriers and improving market access in the agriculture sector.
On specific issues, Beijing said the U.S. would work toward addressing China’s concerns over automatic detention of dairy and aquatic products, export approval for bonsai in growing media, and recognition of Shandong province as free of avian influenza.
In return, China said it would seek progress on U.S. concerns regarding registration of beef processing facilities and poultry meat exports from selected U.S. states.
The ministry did not provide details on volumes, values, timelines, or companies involved, saying discussions would continue and agreements would be finalised “as soon as possible.”
On aviation, Beijing confirmed understandings on Chinese purchases of U.S. aircraft as well as U.S. assurances on the supply of engines and parts, though it did not elaborate further.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said China agreed to purchase 200 aircraft from Boeing, but analysts have noted the absence of an official timeline.
The commerce ministry also stated that talks included arrangements on aircraft procurement and supply chains, while reiterating that key details remain unresolved.
The statement marked Beijing’s first formal account of the outcomes of the recent trade discussions held in Beijing and Seoul, amid ongoing scrutiny over what the visit has actually achieved in substantive economic terms.