Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to meet in early April in Beijing to discuss the extension of the trade truce implemented after their previous summit. The countries are reportedly prioritizing short-term economic gains and considering a truce extension of up to a year following discussions held in October 2020. This move may include a preliminary agreement on further cooperation and terms related to the trade battle between the two powers.

Sources indicate that the discussions may revolve around specific trade measures previously agreed upon, including the reduction of tariffs on fentanyl, relaxation of export controls on advanced technologies, and the recommencement of US agricultural product sales to China. These measures have been subject to a temporary agreement set to expire in November of this year, and if the truce is extended, new commitments from China regarding the purchase of American agricultural products, particularly soybeans, are anticipated to be key points in the negotiation.

As the mid-term elections approach, President Trump is in need of visible economic accomplishments, particularly in delivering results to key voter segments like soybean farmers. The negotiations are believed to also open doors for further cooperation in sectors such as automotive and energy, and additional agreements may be inspired by recent agreements concerning TikTok. Trump’s visit is seen within the broader context of fostering US investments into China, which adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations.