Chinese importers are asking U.S. suppliers for prices of soybeans, pork and other farm goods, the Commerce Ministry said Thursday, in a possible goodwill gesture ahead of talks aimed at ending a tariff war.
The statement followed President Donald Trump's decision Wednesday to postpone a planned Oct. 1 tariff hike on Chinese imports.
The gestures appear meant to reduce tensions ahead of the October negotiations over trade and technology. But the two sides have given no sign of progress toward ending an escalating dispute threatening global economic growth.
"Chinese enterprises have started to inquire about the price of American farm goods including soybeans and pork," ministry spokesman Gao Feng said at a news briefing.
Asked whether the purchases were part of a deal to relax U.S. sanctions against Chinese tech giant Huawei , Gao said, "I don't know that such negotiating conditions exist."
Chinese leaders are resisting U.S. pressure to roll back plans for government-led creation of global competitors in robotics and other industries.
Washington, Europe, Japan and other trading partners say those plans violate China's market-opening commitments and are based on stealing or pressuring companies to hand over technology.
Trump said the delay in tariffs due to be imposed Oct. 1 was a "gesture of good will." Instead, the penalties take effect Oct. 15.
Trump has imposed or announced penalties on about $550 billion of Chinese imports. Tariffs of 25% that were imposed previously on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods were due to rise to 30% on Oct. 1.
China has raised duties on about $120 billion of U.S. products. Some have been hit with increases more than once, while about $50 billion of U.S. goods is unaffected, possibly to avoid disrupting Chinese industries.
Washington also imposed curbs on sales of U.S. technology to Huawei Technologies Ltd., one of the biggest makers of smartphones and telecom switching equipment. The company, China's first global tech brand, has warned its smartphone sales will be hurt badly if the controls take effect.
The two sides are expected to meet in Washington early next month but haven't announced a date.
By delaying his tariff hike, Trump allowed for the possibility they might make enough progress to avert the increase indefinitely. However, economists say a final agreement is unlikely this year.
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