U.S.-China Trade Tariffs in Focus Ahead of Presidential Meeting

Why it matters locally: West Virginia's manufacturing and agriculture sectors could see significant effects from any shifts in U.S.-China trade policy, given the state's dependence on both industries and existing tariff impacts on coal, chemicals, and agricultural exports.

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President Biden's upcoming trip to China marks the first U.S. presidential visit to the country in nearly 10 years. During the visit, he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trade relations, particularly existing tariffs, are expected to be a central point of discussion. The United States and China have engaged in a complex trade relationship involving a variety of tariffs over the past several years. These tariffs impact numerous sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. The tariffs stemmed from concerns over trade imbalances and intellectual property. While some progress has been made in trade negotiations, significant divisions persist. Potential outcomes of the meeting between Biden and Xi range from reaffirming existing agreements to exploring new avenues for de-escalation and negotiation. Analysts will be closely watching for any signs of shifts in trade policy from either side following the meeting. Experts also expect discussion on technology and security concerns.