[UPDATE] U.S. and China open New York talks on trade, AI and critical minerals

Donald Trump will host Xi Jinping at the White House for a summit and state dinner Thursday, Sept. 24.

The talks covered trade commitments, artificial intelligence and critical minerals. Bessent described the discussions as “focused, fulsome and constructive.” President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House for a summit and state dinner Thursday, Sept. 24. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington would monitor existing commitments while seeking better access to China's market for American farmers, manufacturers and workers. Still open. Both sides are considering whether to extend their trade truce (a temporary pause in their trade dispute); neither government has announced extension terms.

PREVIOUSLY

On Sept. 19, Trump planned to greet Xi personally. Preparations for the leaders' meeting covered artificial intelligence and tariffs (taxes on imports) on liquefied natural gas and autos.

ContextThe U.S. extended 178 product exemptions from additional China tariffs, moving their expiration from Nov. 29, 2025, to Nov. 10, 2026, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The extension keeps relief in place for specified goods without changing the separate underlying tariffs. Electrical machinery and equipment accounted for 29.8% of imports from China; machinery, including computers, accounted for 26.8%; and furniture, bedding, and toys accounted for 15.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, BEA end-use estimates). These were the top import sectors. BASELINE FACTS FROM PUBLIC DATA Partner country: China. Bilateral trade data: U.S. trade with China — U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division. Top sectors as shares of imports from China: Electrical machinery and equipment (29.8%), Machinery (incl. computers) (26.8%), Furniture, bedding, and toys (15.3%). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) end-use estimates.