U.S. and China strike surprise trade deal

US and China reach a significant trade deal amid tensions, signaling thawing relations, while the UK secures symbolic concessions; insights from economist Tim Harcourt.

In a stunning development amid rising tensions, the United States and China have agreed on a new deal as part of their ongoing trade war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held the first in-person meetings in years, signaling a potential thaw in relations.

President Trump called the talks “very productive.”

Meanwhile, the UK has managed to score key trade concessions from the US, including on autos, jet engines, and steel—although the benefits may be more symbolic than substantial. Could this deal impact Australia’s trade position?

We unpack the details with Professor Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist at UTS and host of The Airport Economist.