US and China Hold New Trade Talks in Paris Ahead of Trump Meeting Xi Jinping

Senior economic officials from the United States and China are scheduled to begin a new round of trade talks in Paris on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

The meeting aims to ease trade tensions whilst paving the way for a planned visit by US President Donald Trump to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in late March.

The US delegation is led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with China represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is also participating in the talks.

According to sources familiar with the agenda, the meeting will take place at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. China is not a member of the organisation, which comprises 38 countries with advanced economies.

The discussions are expected to focus on several key trade issues, including adjustments to US tariffs on Chinese products.

This meeting continues a series of dialogues previously held in several European cities throughout the past year, aimed at easing tensions that have threatened relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Several analysts assess the likelihood of a major breakthrough as relatively small, given the limited preparation time. Washington’s attention is also being diverted by US and Israeli conflict with Iran.

“I think both sides have a minimum objective to hold the meeting, which keeps everything moving and avoids cracks and a renewed escalation of tensions,” said Scott Kennedy of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

The commitments include Boeing aircraft orders and increased imports of liquefied natural gas and soybeans from the United States. Washington may need to offer concessions regarding technology export controls.

Kennedy assesses the most realistic outcome as a symbolic agreement. “There will likely be a summit meeting that superficially shows progress but essentially leaves matters as they have been for the past four months,” Kennedy said.