Data released by China's Customs shows that its trade with the rest of the world is continuing on a downward trajectory, and is expected to experience a sustained slide due to both domestic and global factors.

Yesterday, the United States and the European Union held a third round of meetings under the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), with discussions of a number of issues that have implications for China.

Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith met and talked about trade, investment, and infrastructure, and signed over 20 cooperation documents in these areas.

As a follow-up to the bilateral meeting between China and Tanzania and agreements to "expand the trade volume", China's Customs agency released the regulatory requirements for wild aquatic products from Tanzania, potentially opening the Chinese market to more seafood from the nation.

European Council chief Charles Michel visited China last week, during which time he discussed issues related to trade policy and the general business environment with Chinese leaders. The visit is unlikely to change the current EU-China relationship much, as the EU is still internally debating a unified policy toward China.

At a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, Noah Barkin, the managing editor with Rhodium Group and visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, talked about the recent trends of European business in China, and Adeline Hinderer, the head of Unit Far East from

At a press conference today, a MOFCOM spokesperson offered comments on the new U.S. rules banning Chinese telecoms equipment as well as on the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.