Archive · 10 Nov 2025
US Exhibitors Express Optimism at China Import Expo Amid Trade Truce
Imagine a big shopping event in China where countries from all over show what they want to sell.
American companies that sell food, like soybeans, were there with a bigger booth than usual.
They felt happy because the leaders of the US and China just agreed to be nicer to each other and stop some of the trade fighting.
This made the American sellers hopeful that they can sell more things to China again.
One person in charge of American businesses in China said everyone is hopeful and looking for new chances to work together.
Another person, who sells soybeans, said they didn't give up on China even when things were tough.
However, some experts think this agreement is just a temporary pause in a bigger fight.
They say that some taxes are still on American soybeans, making them more expensive than beans from other countries.
China holds this big shopping event every year, but even though they say they want fair trade, their total sales to other countries keep growing bigger and bigger.
This year's event had a lot of international companies, and the total sales promised at the event were the highest ever.
US exporters at China's largest import expo expressed optimism for normalized trade following a recent framework agreement between the two nations.
The U.S. Pavilion at the expo was 50% larger this year, with companies from various agricultural sectors exhibiting.
Recent resumption of US soybean and sorghum purchases by China signals a positive turn for trade, though tariffs remain.
Analysts remain skeptical, viewing the trade détente as a fragile truce with unresolved underlying issues, such as the continued tariff on US soybeans.
China's trade surplus continues to grow, with the expo aimed at promoting its trade credentials despite this trend.
- Who
- US exporters, industry officials, analysts, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and US President Donald Trump.
- What
- US exhibitors at China's largest import expo expressed optimism about the future of trade, encouraged by a recent framework agreement and a larger presence at the expo, despite underlying trade tensions and existing tariffs.
- When
- The expo began on November 5, wrapping up on a Monday, shortly after a framework agreement was reached in October 2025.
- Where
- Shanghai, China, at the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
- Why
- US exporters are hopeful that the recent trade agreement between their leaders will lead to a return to normalcy, increased customer engagement, and new partnership opportunities.
US Exhibitor Optimism
Analyst Skepticism
Trade War Outlook
US Exhibitor Optimism
US exporters, particularly in agriculture, are hopeful for a return to normalcy and new partnership opportunities following the recent framework agreement between the US and China, despite some existing tariffs.
Analyst Skepticism
Analysts suggest the recent trade détente is a fragile truce, with unresolved root causes of the trade war, citing the continued 13% tariff on US soybeans making them expensive compared to alternatives.
China's Trade Surplus
US Exhibitor Optimism
US companies are actively seeking new customers and partnerships at the expo, indicating a desire to engage and strengthen the bilateral trade relationship.
Analyst Skepticism
Despite the expo's aim to promote free trade and counter criticism, China's trade surpluses have continued to grow, with exporters seeking market share even at a loss.
- Event
- China International Import Expo (CIIE)
- Location
- Shanghai
- Dates
- Began November 5, wraps up on Monday
- US Pavilion Size
- 50% larger than last year
- Participants
- Over 155 countries, regions, and organisations; Over 4,100 overseas enterprises.
- US Company Presence
- Largest exhibition area for the seventh consecutive year.
- Generated Turnover
- $83.49 billion (intended), a 4.4% increase over last year.
- China's Trade Surplus
- Set to exceed last year's record of roughly $1 trillion.
