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
China Tells Tech Manufacturers to Stop Using Micron Chips
Stepping up a feud with Washington over technology and security, China's government on Sunday told users of computer equipment deemed sensitive to stop buying products from the biggest U.S. memory chipmaker, Micron Technology Inc.
DeSantis Asks That Judge Be Disqualified From Disney's Free Speech Lawsuit
Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking that a federal judge be disqualified from the First Amendment lawsuit filed by Disney against the Florida governor and his appointees, claiming the jurist's prior statements in other cases have raised questions about his impartiality on the state's efforts to take over Disney World's governing body.
Ford Says It Will Stop Competing in Over-Served Markets
Ford CEO Jim Farley says the company will stop competing in over-served market segments and instead will place big bets on connected vehicles and digital services. The days of Ford being all things to all people are over, Farley said at the company's capital markets day event Monday.
Load More