US, China plan new trade board on tariffs

On May 30, 2026 the White House said the United States and China will create a new "Board of Trade" to manage bilateral trade across so‑called "non-sensitive" goods. The planned body is intended to serve as a channel for handling reciprocal tariff issues in these product categories.

The initiative focuses on goods that officials do not classify as strategically sensitive, separating them from areas such as advanced technology or national security related trade. The announcement marks a step toward more structured management of tariffs between the two economies in a defined segment of their trade relationship.

Politico reported on May 30, 2026 that U.S. officials have discussed prioritizing low‑tech and consumer goods for potential tariff reductions under the new framework. This would target everyday products rather than higher‑end or security‑related items.

According to the same reporting, officials have also considered managed‑trade mechanisms, including possible purchase commitments and quotas, as part of the toolkit for shaping trade flows in non‑sensitive sectors. These discussions indicate that tariff cuts may be combined with other instruments to influence bilateral trade volumes.

Industry groups have begun pressing for a broad reading of what qualifies as "non-sensitive" under the new system. Politico reported that the Consumer Technology Association and the American Apparel & Footwear Association are among organizations lobbying the administration.

These groups are seeking to ensure that a wide range of consumer technology, apparel, footwear and related inputs are covered, which could make them eligible for tariff relief. Trade associations and companies are preparing formal feedback and are expected to intensify private outreach as the policy framework is developed.

Politico reported that the administration is expected to release additional public guidance on the new trade body. Stakeholders anticipate further details on which products will fall under the "non‑sensitive" category and how the Board of Trade will operate in practice.

Forbes reported on May 30, 2026 that no timetable has been announced to finalize the details for the U.S.-China Board of Trade or a related U.S.-China Board of Investment. The lack of a published schedule leaves the timing of any tariff adjustments or managed‑trade measures uncertain for businesses and investors.

The combination of a proposed Board of Trade, discussions of tariff reductions on low‑tech and consumer goods, and possible use of purchase commitments and quotas signals a move toward more managed trade in selected sectors. However, the precise scope of the initiative will depend heavily on how "non-sensitive" is defined in forthcoming guidance.

With industry groups mobilizing and government consultations expected, the policy process around the Board of Trade is still in an early stage. Until operational details and timelines are clarified, the concrete impact on tariff levels and trade flows between the United States and China will remain uncertain.