China Pauses Export Curbs in Latest Sign of Trade Thaw

​China just hit the brakes on some of its most aggressive trade restrictions, marking another major gesture in the easing U.S.–China tariff war. Beijing has suspended a ban on dual-use exports—items with both military and civilian applications—to 28 American companies, signaling a temporary de-escalation in tensions.

The pause, announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce, comes as part of the 90-day trade détente that followed last weekend’s talks between President Trump’s team and Chinese officials. While China didn’t name specific commodities this time, prior announcements had listed seven types of rare earths among the dual-use goods facing export controls. Now, exporters can apply for licenses to resume shipments during the pause.

The Ministry also rolled back a trade and investment ban on 17 additional U.S. firms, further underscoring efforts to stabilize relations after months of tit-for-tat tariffs and trade threats. The moves came in response to Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” offensive in April, which saw U.S. tariffs spike and China respond in kind.

Markets welcomed the development, with stocks and the dollar both rising as investors grew more confident in the direction of diplomacy. Still, the pause is temporary—and there’s no guarantee talks will lead to a lasting solution.

Bottom line: China’s latest move is a key olive branch in the tariff standoff, giving U.S. firms some breathing room. But it’s still just a 90-day pause—not a peace treaty—and global markets will be watching closely to see what happens next.







​