Truce reputed in USChina trade war

WASHINGTON: US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has told some industry executives that another round of tariffs on Chinese imports has been put on hold as the two nations pursue talks, the Financial reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed person familiar with the situation.

US President Donald Trump has already imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports to the United States to force concessions from Beijing on his list of demands for trade reforms. He has also threatened to target another $267 billion worth of goods if his demands are not addressed.

A spokeswoman for Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment.

Reuters reported this week that China had delivered a written response to Washing ton’s demands, citing three US Government sources.

However, the sources gave no further details and it was not clear if the response contained concessions that would satisfy Mr Trump.

The backandforth on trade comes ahead of an expected meeting between Mr Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina at the end of November and in early December.

One of the sources briefed on China’s response said it reiterated pledges Mr Xi had made in recent speeches, and demanded that the US lift tariffs, including those placed on steel and aluminum imports.

‘‘They are not close to a favourable deal on trade. Not in the same universe,’’ the Washingtonbased source said. — Reuters