China to exempt U.S. pork, soybeans from tariffs

China won't impose additional tariffs on American soybeans, pork and other farm goods, in what appears to be another move to de-escalate the trade war before the two countries re-launch talks.

That's according to China's official Xinhua news agency, which also said Beijing supports buying certain amounts of U.S. agricultural products.

Beijing's move may bring some desperately-sought relief for American farmers, who have been suffering since China imposed 25% duties on agricultural products last year and then raised them again on September 1st.

Both Washington and Beijing this week have appeared to dial down their trade fight.

First, China waived tariffs on some U.S. goods, U.S. President Donald Trump then followed, with plans to delay a tariff hike on about $250 billion of Chinese goods.

For China, the easing of American pork imports may also be due to an outbreak of African swine fever.

The disease has decimated China's hog population, leaving the country desperate for supplies from overseas.