Stocks in the U.S. opened higher Tuesday, reversing pre-market losses after a report in the Wall Street Journal signified that American and Chinese negotiators were preparing to delay the next round of tariffs, scheduled to go into effect Sunday. The Journal cited sources close to the matter on both sides of the table.

Dec. 15 is the date that U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports would increase and hit the consumer electronics industry especially hard. Chinese-made products like Bluetooth headphones, smart watches, and other smart devices have been spared, so far, in the 17-month trade war.

Scheduled tariffs have been delayed in the past as the two sides appeared to show progress in reaching a "phase one" deal, though it has yet to materialize. One of the largest impediments to the deal remains China's refusal to commit to buying more agricultural products and farming equipment from the U.S., according to the Journal. American farmers are considered by the White House to be a key bloc of support for President Trump's re-election.

News that the Dec. 15 deadline could be punted came as President Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appear to be on the verge of announcing a separate trade deal, known as UMSCA, which would involve just Mexico and Canada, replacing NAFTA. That deal could be announced as soon as this week ー raising the specter of House Democrats handing the president a major policy victory just as they also prepare to impeach him.

Share:
More In Business
How to Live Comfortably in Your City 
Now if you live in a major city and feel like no matter how much money you make it's never enough, you're not alone. Jacqueline Schadeck of New Perspectives Financial is here to show us how you can live within your means and still live comfortably.
All Buybuy Baby Stores Are Set to Close 
The ongoing liquidation of parent company Bed Bath & Beyond has now officially affected buybuy BABY stores. A judge has approved the sale of the chain's intellectual property for $15.5 million. 
Airline Costs Are Cooling This Summer
Prices for airfare seem to be cooling off. The latest consumer price index showed prices dropped 8.1 percent in June from a month earlier, which is the biggest decline in a year.
Load More