US–China tariff deal lists Chinese bed and table linen for cuts, but leaves apparel out

The United States and China have released reciprocal lists of goods, worth about $30 billion on each side, that are to be considered for lower tariffs, following the meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Washington on 25 September. Chinese home textiles are on the US list; apparel and footwear are not, FashionUnited reported on 29 September.

The US list of Chinese products covers 77 items, while China's list of US goods runs to more than 1,600, according to Bloomberg and Al Jazeera. Among the Chinese goods on the US list, Bloomberg reported, are several home-textile lines:

• printed and non-printed bed linen
• table linen, including flax, knitted and crocheted types
• curtains and interior blinds
• wool and jute wall hangings, and electric blankets

The lists also include toys, appliances and seasonal goods on the Chinese side, and agricultural products, seafood, cosmetics, medical devices and silk on the US side, according to Ecotextile News.

Not yet in force

The White House said the two countries would consider the lists "with a view toward providing reduced tariff treatment" in line with their domestic laws and processes, under a new US–China Board of Trade. China's Ministry of Commerce said about 90% of the products covered would have their tariffs reduced to most-favoured-nation rates, Bloomberg reported. Neither side has published exact new rates or an effective date.

Trade analyst Deborah Elms told Al Jazeera that "both sides have largely listed goods that do not move the needle on overall trade flows."

What it means for Egyptian exporters

For Egypt's garment exporters, the key point is that Chinese apparel is not part of this deal, so their competitive position against Chinese clothing in the US is not changed by it. Home-textile exporters face a different picture: if the cuts go ahead, Chinese bed linen, table linen and curtains could become cheaper for American buyers. Egyptian home-textile firms selling to the US should watch the final rates and timing closely and prepare to compete on quality, cotton origin and lead times rather than price alone.