China ties US farm purchases to tariff-cut deal; midterms add uncertainty
China's commerce ministry says it will buy more US farm goods only if both sides carry out their tariff-cut agreement. Democratic control of Congress adds a new element to US-China relations.
Beijing says it could purchase additional American agricultural products, with one requirement. The commerce ministry stated on Thursday that the two countries first need to carry out their deal to cut tariffs on each other's goods.
The statement suggests tariff concessions remain central to what Beijing wants from the talks. Farm purchases are tied directly to that outcome.
In the United States, Democrats won a sweeping victory in this week's midterm elections and took control of Congress. Analysts say this gives them the power to limit President Donald Trump's unconventional foreign policy.
Analysts describe the result as both an opportunity and a challenge for China, the country's main rival. They are weighing how it could shape the difficult relationship between the two economies.
Background
The two countries have a reciprocal tariff-cut agreement, which China says must be implemented before it buys more US farm goods.
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