China Agrees to Buy 20 Million Tons of U.S. Coal

China has agreed to purchase at least 10 million metric tons of U.S. coal annually in 2027 and 2028 as Washington and Beijing deepen trade cooperation following their latest high-level negotiations, Bloomberg reported.

The commitment, totaling at least 20 million metric tons over two years, is part of a series of agreements reached through the newly operational U.S.-China Board of Trade, according to a White House statement.

The two countries also plan to pursue preferential tariffs on $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods, potentially reducing trade barriers for consumer and industrial products. U.S. exports that could receive preferential treatment include agricultural goods, seafood, timber, cosmetics and medical devices. Eligible Chinese exports include toys, small appliances, holiday decorations and children's car seats.

Agriculture will receive additional attention through a new bilateral working group focused on resolving market-access barriers, an issue that has frequently surfaced during U.S.-China trade negotiations.

Washington and Beijing also established a Board of Investment to identify cross-border investment opportunities and address challenges companies face when entering each other's markets.

Critical minerals remain a key subject of negotiations. Both governments agreed to continue discussions addressing U.S. concerns over shortages involving rare earths and other strategic minerals essential to the technology, automotive and defense industries.

President Donald Trump also urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to boost China's production of refined petroleum products as the United States seeks to stabilize global energy supplies amid disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Technology will be another focus of bilateral engagement. The U.S. and China agreed to continue discussions on emerging technologies, with their next exchange on artificial intelligence expected by November.

The agreements follow a three-day Trump-Xi summit in Washington focused on trade, technology, investment and critical mineral supply chains. Among the measures announced, China's U.S. coal purchase commitment represents one of the most concrete trade outcomes, guaranteeing imports of at least 20 million metric tons during 2027 and 2028.