Global Geopolitical Series: Sino-American trade negotiations yet to make significant progress

The trade war is largely on, as no significant progress has been made since President Trump met with President Xi of China on the sidelines of the last week’s G20 meeting. The duo couldn’t agree to remove tariffs on each other; couldn’t agree to the removal of tariffs even if an agreement is done, and how the removal of the ban on Huawei in exchange for agricultural purchases would actually happen.

Recently, China signaled that there would be no purchases of U.S. agricultural products unless the fate of Huawei becomes clearer; so we are basically at a status quo, same as before (yet).

Moreover, China signaled that there would be no agreement without removal of duties. On Thursday, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng said a trade deal would only be possible if the US called off all tariffs on Chinese imports, "If both sides are able to reach an agreement, the tariffs that have been imposed have to be removed completely. China’s attitude on the issue is clear and consistent,"

Both countries are yet to officially resume talks.