President Donald Trump said he would sign what he called a “very large and comprehensive” initial trade deal with China on January 15.
Trump had previously said the two leaders would have a signing ceremony for Phase One next month. Through the deal, first announced on December 13, China will increase purchases of American farm goods and be subject to lower tariffs on some goods.
The U.S. and China reached the deal after almost two years of an escalating trade war between the world’s largest economies. The U.S. said it would decrease current tariffs and cancel new tariffs. China will increase purchases of U.S. goods and services.
The White House will leave 25 percent tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods in place but halve tariffs to 7.5 percent on $120 billion in products such as smartphones.
Trump said he will go to Beijing to begin talks on the second phase of the trade deal "at a later date."
The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday for the second time in its past three meetings, a sign that it’s moderating its fight against inflation as price pressures have eased. But Fed officials also signaled that they expect to raise rates once more this year.
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is restarting a website allowing Americans to again order up to four free tests per household — aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in coronavirus cases that has typically come during colder months.
The Pentagon began a new effort Wednesday to contact former service members who may have been forced out of the military and deprived of years of benefits due to policies targeting their sexual orientation, starting with those who served under “Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
India is telling citizens in Canada to "exercise caution" amid tensions between India and Canada.
President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Democrats won a special election in Pittsburgh, allowing them to keep House control.
Mexico's largest railroad company said it was suspending operations of its cargo trains due to the massive number of migrants that are illegally hitching rides on trains moving toward the U.S. border.
President Joe Biden is set to meet with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
California regulators on Tuesday ordered one of the country’s oldest bottled water brands to stop using some of the natural springs it has relied on for more than 100 years to market its products throughout the western U.S.
Parents whose kids bought virtual gear without their knowledge on the popular Fortnite video game could soon be able to get a refund.
