US and China held productive trade talks in Paris, navigating accusations related to forced labor and energy routes, while addressing key economic issues.
Top trade officials from the US and China wrapped up a two-day summit in Paris on March 16, 2026, with sources describing the discussions as "remarkably stable" despite mutual accusations. The talks occurred at the OECD offices amid tensions, including US claims of widespread forced labor in China, which Beijing labeled as "discriminatory" and an attempt at trade manipulation.
Earlier, the US launched an official investigation into forced labor allegations, prompting sharp rebukes from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened to delay a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping unless China assists in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route disrupted by the US and Israel-led conflict with Iran.
Key Discussion Points
During the meetings, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, along with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang, explored common ground on agricultural trade. China indicated openness to purchasing 25 million metric tons of American soybeans annually for the next three years to avoid potential tariffs.
The officials also discussed establishing a US-China "Board of Trade" and "Board of Investment" to balance trade flows and ensure access to Chinese rare earth minerals for US companies. Additionally, the US delegation pressed for increased Chinese orders of Boeing jets and US natural gas, though no major breakthroughs were anticipated due to ongoing global conflicts.
China's economic leverage was evident as recent data showed industrial output rising 6.3% in the first two months of 2026, surpassing expectations of 5.3%. Retail sales increased by 2.8%, and fixed asset investment grew by 1.8%, providing Beijing with a stronger position in negotiations.
Analysts noted that US strikes on Iran limited Washington's ability to push for large-scale deals, but the Paris talks still advanced practical measures for bilateral trade stability.
