Xi-Trump Summit Not Yet Happening! China Applies Pressure on US Agricultural Products First

On Monday (June 10), China's Ministry of Commerce announced it would impose high anti-dumping deposits on pecans (Pecan) imported from the United States and Mexico, introducing new trade friction just before the expected September summit between President Trump and President Xi.

China's Ministry of Commerce stated that preliminary investigations show producers in the United States and Mexico have been exporting pecans to China at unfairly low prices, causing damage to domestic industries. Starting Tuesday, Chinese importers purchasing pecans from the U.S. must pay a deposit rate of 54.3%; Mexican products face rates ranging from 17.8% to 51.6%.

This measure comes as U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping work to maintain preparations for Xi's planned September visit to the U.S. and a bilateral summit. However, recent mutual trade and technology restrictions between the U.S. and China have placed greater pressure on their fragile truce. Last week, China announced a series of countermeasures, including sanctions on U.S. entities and tighter export controls on drone-related products.

The Ministry also noted that since no U.S. companies participated in this investigation, all American suppliers are subject to the 54.3% deposit rate. Authorities emphasized that China has always used trade remedies cautiously and responsibly, and pledged to protect the legitimate rights and interests of concerned parties before issuing a final ruling.

China launched an investigation into pecans from the U.S. and Mexico in September last year under its Anti-Dumping Regulations. U.S. pecans had already been hit with a 10% tariff by China in March 2025, as part of Beijing's response to Trump's tariff policies.

China's imports of pecans from the U.S. surged briefly in 2024 but then sharply declined. In the first four months of this year, import value stood at only $6.9 million, far below the $77.2 million recorded during the same period two years ago. Meanwhile, China has gradually increased its purchases of pecans from South Africa, seeking alternative sources beyond the U.S.

Pecans were also targeted during retaliatory actions in the U.S.-China trade war under Trump's first term. At that time, China imposed a 47% tariff on U.S. pecans, causing farmers in Georgia and Arizona to lose a major export market.