Here’s the latest on the U.S.–China trade talks held today, June 9, 2025, in London:
🔹 What’s happening in London?
High-level delegations from both countries met at Lancaster House in London for a new round of economic and trade talks (reuters.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com).
Leading the delegations:
U.S.: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (aljazeera.com, reuters.com).
China: Vice Premier He Lifeng (reuters.com).
🔹 Why London?
This is a follow-up to the 90‑day truce from the May 12 Geneva agreement, during which tariffs were paused. The truce is due to expire on August 12 (investors.com).
Talks aim to address export controls—especially U.S. chip restrictions and Chinese rare-earth export limitations—rather than just tariffs (washingtonpost.com).
🔹 Key agenda items
Rare-earth magnets/minerals
China has begun issuing export licenses for rare-earth magnets after the Geneva agreement (apnews.com, wsj.com).
The U.S. is pushing for a firm “handshake” that China will resume steady supply (reuters.com).
Semiconductors/Export Controls
The U.S. may ease chip export restrictions as a goodwill gesture. Meanwhile, China is expected to ask for such concessions (apnews.com, investors.com).
Broader subjects
There’s also talk of cooperation on fentanyl precursor controls, TikTok operations in the U.S., and Chinese student visas—although trade and tech remain central (investors.com).
🔹 Market & economic signals
U.S. stock markets: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq edged up modestly. Tech firms like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel saw equities rise, aided by Boeing and GM, as investor sentiment improved (investors.com).
Chinese exports to the U.S. dropped around 35% in May, their most significant decline since February 2020. However, exports to Southeast Asia and Europe remained resilient (wsj.com).
Gold prices ticked higher as investors monitored negotiation outcomes (reuters.com).
🔹 Outlook: What to watch
This week’s discussions will test whether China delivers on rare-earth shipments and whether the U.S. reciprocates with chip control adjustments.
Analysts caution that any initial easing could be temporary and contingent on political dynamics, highlighting the complexity of long-term bargains (investors.com).
Even if clear outcomes emerge in London, neither side is expected to pursue systemic economic reform or fully resolve structural tensions during these talks (washingtonpost.com).
🔺 Summary
The London meeting is the most recent update in ongoing U.S.–China negotiations, focusing heavily on export control mechanisms—rare earths and semiconductors.
While markets have responded positively, both nations maintain significant leverage, and progress thus far remains provisional.
