China's Xie Calls for Doubling Tariff-Free Trade List with US
Quick Look
Chinese official Xie advocated for a significant expansion of the tariff-free trade list with the US, suggesting it be doubled to $60 billion or even raised to $300 billion, arguing the current exemption list is insufficient given the scale of bilateral trade.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Chinese official Xie spoke at the US-China Business Council gala, addressing trade relations and tariffs between the two countries.
Addressing a gathering at the US-China Business Council gala in Washington, Xie said he shared the view of “many friends from American businesses” that the tariff-free basket was “far from big enough”.
“I cannot agree more. If we take into account the scale of overall bilateral trade, there is still a reason for making the list of exemptions longer,” Xie added.
“Personally, I would argue for doubling the number to US$60 billion, or even raising it to US$300 billion.”
According to figures from the US Trade Representative’s office, the goods trade between China and the US totalled an estimated $414 billion in 2025.
The board of trade was one of the major outcomes of US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China, with the two sides agreeing to select non-sensitive sectors and products from each side to manage a tariff-free trade mechanism.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further negotiations on expanding the tariff-free trade list between the US and China.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the US agree to expand the tariff-free list?
- What specific sectors would be prioritized for expansion?
