China and the European Union have agreed to explore possible tariff reductions and consider measures to facilitate trade in dual-use goods, Chinese officials said, following two days of talks in Beijing aimed at easing trade tensions.

Wrapping up a visit to Beijing, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič offered a positive assessment of what had been achieved, although the details still needed to be confirmed with EU leaders and a timeframe for a full resolution remains unclear.

In advance of a trip to China this week by European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, the leaders of France and Germany have issued a "non-paper" that was likely designed in part to strengthen the hand of EU negotiators.

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced an anti-dumping investigation into imports of p-Nitrotoluene (PNT) originating from the European Union, following a formal petition filed by domestic producers.

At an event today in Berlin, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange offered thoughts on the upcoming EU-China trade discussions, and well as the relationship more broadly.

At a European Parliament International Trade Committee meeting yesterday, there were discussions of both the broader EU trade agenda in relation to China and specific details of an OECD report on subsidies.

At a WTO meeting earlier this year, China raised concerns about the EU's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, with the EU providing assurances that it would take into account the trade concerns of other governments.