Trade talks raise expectations of US business community

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will lead a delegation to the United States from Saturday to Wednesday for economic and trade talks with the US side, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Saturday.

The two sides will hold consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the ministry said in an online statement.

The talks have also raised expectations among US businesses and industry groups for further progress in bilateral commercial ties.

Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council, said he is optimistic about the prospects for China-US economic and trade relations and that the US soybean industry looks forward to more positive developments.

Sutter said agricultural trade, particularly soybeans, has long served as a ballast in the China-US relationship, and that role has not changed despite previous challenges. US farmers have always valued China as an important trading partner and their largest overseas market.

"USSEC values open and free trade. Predictable market access leads to smoother trade flows that benefit both sides," he said. "The US soy relationship with China is structural and foundational, not cyclical — the mutual benefit is clear, proven and enduring."

Morgan Stanley Chief China Economist Robin Xing said greater strategic stability between China and the US would benefit both economies.

"Even if the two sides continue to have divergent interests and priorities in certain situations and sensitive areas, competition is normal. But reaching consensus on the broader global development agenda and establishing a relatively stable strategic environment would be more beneficial to both sides," Xing said on the sidelines of the 2026 Tsinghua PBCSF Chief Economists Forum in Beijing on Saturday.

"Whether China wants to boost domestic demand and achieve more balanced economic growth, or the US wants to address the sustainability of its debt, both require relatively stable and moderate bilateral relations to achieve these goals," he added.

Also expressing confidence in the Chinese market, Liliana Lucioni, president of Coach China, said the US fashion company sees significant opportunities to further expand its presence in China, where it currently operates more than 350 stores in over 90 cities.

She said Coach will continue expanding its footprint and enhancing its omnichannel experience, while investing in product innovation and craftsmanship and strengthening engagement with Chinese consumers, particularly younger generations, through locally relevant products and experiences.

Tapestry Inc, Coach's parent company, announced last month that it posted record global revenue of $8 billion in its 2026 fiscal year, with China accounting for about 17 percent of the total. Revenue in China grew more than 30 percent for the full year, making it one of the company's largest and fastest-growing markets.

"We are very encouraged by the result — it is a record performance for our business in China, and we believe there remains substantial runway for growth as we continue to strengthen our presence and deepen our connection with local consumers," Lucioni said.