This past week, CTM covered the following issues: In China: * Beijing’s response to potential TikTok deal and U.S. tariffs * Sanction status of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio * Updates on China’s trade-in subsidy programs to boost domestic consumption  * New policy to open financial services * Potential expansion

At a press conference today, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) responded to a potential TikTok deal and threats of more U.S. tariffs in a way that may suggest openness on the part of the Chinese government.

At the World Economic Forum today, both President Trump and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič offered comments on some big picture questions surrounding trade relations with China, with Trump complaining about trade deficits and unfairness and Šefčovič also noting concerns with trade imbalances.

While President Trump's ability to impose tariffs through statutory authority delegated by Congress is the focus of attention right now, Congress is also considering tariff actions, with China a likely target through legislation to withdraw China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status.

In a recently issued document, Beijing expanded financial services access and committed to national treatment for foreign financial institutions as part of a pilot project.

As Marco Rubio has now been confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of State, his sanctions status is in the spotlight again. China has signaled its willingness to engage with Rubio when "necessary" and "appropriate," highlighting the delicate nature of U.S.-China relations.

A U.S. countervailing duty investigation on file folders from Cambodia is the latest trade remedy investigation to test out the new regulations allowing the Commerce Department to consider transnational subsidy programs as part of its assessment of foreign subsidies.