Chinese state media: U.S. wants to start tariff talks with China... The U.S. has approached China seeking talks over President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media said on Thursday. “The U.S. has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue,” Yuyuan Tantian said in a post published on its official Weibo social media account, citing anonymous sources.
However, Chinese officials continue to publicly deny that any formal negotiations are currently underway. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, reiterated that, “To the best of my knowledge, there have been no discussions or negotiations between China and the U.S. concerning tariffs.”
China is deliberately holding off on re-engaging in formal trade negotiations with the U.S. as it assesses who in Trump’s inner circle will prevail on tariff policy, according to the South China Morning Post, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. “There is no clear sign which clique will win,” said one Beijing-based source with knowledge of internal discussions. “Why reveal your cards when you don’t even know who your opponent will eventually be?” Despite the uncertainty, Beijing still regards Trump as the “most powerful figure in the foreseeable future,” according to one senior official. But for now, China’s message is clear: it will not negotiate under conditions of ambiguity — or weakness.
EU to propose trade barrier cuts, investment boost in U.S. amid tariff tensions... The European Union (EU) is preparing to present a sweeping trade proposal to the U.S. next week aimed at lowering tariffs, encouraging European investment in the U.S., and restoring transatlantic economic ties amid mounting trade tensions.
Key elements of the proposal:
- Tariff and non-tariff reduction: A potential “zero-for-zero” deal removing tariffs on key industrial goods like autos, chemicals, and machinery.
- Investment facilitation: Measures to make the U.S. more attractive to European investors, including regulatory cooperation.
- Strategic coordination: Joint efforts to address global trade issues such as Chinese overcapacity and trade imbalances.
- Purchases of U.S. goods: Provisions may include EU commitments to import more U.S. LNG and tech products.
The proposals come in response to U.S. tariffs on €26 billion of EU steel, aluminum, and related products. President Trump has temporarily suspended some reciprocal tariffs to allow for talks.
EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are pushing for a tariff-free deal while retaining the option to impose countermeasures.
FSA to require DOGE approval for some loans... USDA’s Farm Service Agency will now need approval from the Department of Government Efficiency to issue loans over $500,000, according to a memo seen by Reuters. The April 29 memo sent by Houston Bruck, deputy administrator for farm loan programs, said that the new policy requiring clearance from the Office of the Secretary and DOGE for some lending is in compliance with an executive order on government cost efficiency. Under the policy, which went into effect on Wednesday, all loans and guarantees of $500,000 or more and to “formal entities” like corporations will need to be approved by the two offices, the memo said. Direct farm loans made to farmers by FSA have a borrowing cap of $600,000. Guaranteed farm loans, which are financed by commercial banks with FSA backing, are capped at $2.2 million. USDA said such reviews do not cause undue delay and that most direct aid to individuals is exempt from the process.
U.S., Mexico strike deal to resume joint eradication of screwworm... USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced an agreement with Mexico to resume collaborative eradication efforts targeting the deadly New World screwworm (NWS). Under the deal, Mexico will lift restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive customs duties on eradication equipment, allowing uninterrupted cross-border cooperation. As a result, livestock ports will remain open — though U.S. authorities may revisit closures if Mexico fails to uphold the terms.
An official with the National Confederation of Livestock Organizations, a Mexican organization that represents ranchers and livestock producers, says cattle crossings from Mexico are slow and there are around 300,000 calves that are behind schedule.
The cattle herd in northeastern Mexico is going through a critical situation: prolonged drought, mortality, closing of the border to exports and low prices for females and calves are punishing farmers.
GOP weighs SNAP overhaul as House Ag struggles to find $230 billion in cuts... House Ag Republicans are still debating how to meet the $230 billion spending cut target for the GOP’s budget bill, with proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emerging as a key area of focus.
CBO estimates:
- Capping future Thrifty Food Plan updates: $36 billion in projected savings.
- Reforming work requirement waivers (raising exemption age): $51 billion in projected savings.
Still awaiting scores: A final CBO estimate is pending, including potential savings from a proposal to have states cover up to 25% of SNAP costs — a controversial move raising concerns among both red-state governors and the White House. House Ag Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) has said cutting current SNAP benefits is off the table. Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) warned of “unintended consequences” if cost-sharing is imposed on states. Of note: A detailed internal GOP memo outlining all possible cuts is still being drafted after a closed-door meeting this week.
RFK Jr. accelerates overhaul of U.S. dietary guidelines... Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to release simplified, consumer-focused federal dietary guidelines by late summer or early fall 2025, months ahead of the statutory deadline. Kennedy sharply criticized the current guidelines as “unreadable” and industry-driven, pledging reforms that prioritize whole, minimally processed foods and remove harmful additives from the food supply. Key policy shifts include:
- Streamlined guidelines: A user-friendly document replacing the current 400+ page version.
- Crackdown on ultra-processed foods: Public education, removal from schools and bans on petroleum-based food dyes within two years.
- Conflict-free advisory panels: A push to eliminate corporate influence over dietary recommendations.
- SNAP restrictions: Advocacy for state waivers to block soda purchases with federal food aid, backed publicly by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
- Farm subsidy realignment: Reforms to redirect subsidies away from pesticide-reliant agriculture toward healthier food systems, with potential agency cuts if reforms stall.
Kennedy is positioning food policy as a cornerstone of public health reform and a battleground against corporate influence.
Treasury holds off on naming debt limit ‘X-date’ amid tax receipt uncertainty... The U.S. Treasury Department announced Wednesday it is still not ready to project the so-called “X-date” — the day when the federal government will run out of borrowing capacity. Despite using extraordinary measures since the debt limit was reinstated, Treasury officials cited “the unpredictability of tax receipts” as the reason for withholding a specific forecast. An update is expected in early May once most April tax payments are processed. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the “X-date” may fall in August or September.