World Business Report US-China talks: What’s been agreed?
Sep 19, 2025
US and Chinese leaders engage in a pivotal two-hour discussion, hinting at de-escalation and addressing TikTok amidst trade tensions. Farmers express their anxieties over export losses and low prices, revealing the mental toll of uncertainty. Additionally, allegations surface about German rail operators manipulating train cancellations for improved stats. Meanwhile, a unique pop-up mall in Seattle targets plus-sized shoppers, aiming to fill retail gaps. The podcast offers a vibrant take on pressing global business matters.
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Talks Signal De‑Escalation Not Instant Fix
- The Trump–Xi phone call signalled de‑escalation but offered few concrete outcomes beyond TikTok talk.
- Economists expect the call to rebuild trust and set up slower, formal negotiations rather than instant tariff fixes.
TikTok Deal Likely, Details Unclear
- A TikTok deal looks likely but details and Chinese concessions remain uncertain.
- Any US willingness to relax investment limits would be important but China may resist US-favourable terms.
Farmers Share Personal Strain
- Matt Aspenshade described being the seventh generation on a farm and fearing for an eighth due to market uncertainty.
- Jeff Winton recounted founding Rural Minds after his nephew's suicide to support rural mental health.