China, US discuss tariffs, farm trade at first trade council meeting

China and the United States held their first trade council meeting under a bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism via video link on Friday, China's commerce ministry said on Saturday.

The two sides held "candid, in-depth and constructive discussions" on implementing outcomes from previous trade consultations, including tariffs, a reciprocal tariff-reduction arrangement involving $30 billion on each side, agricultural trade and other issues of note, the ministry said.

Both sides will continue to use the council to address trade concerns, expand cooperation and reduce outstanding issues, it added.