US President Donald Trump is expressing optimism about trade negotiations with China as US officials are expected in Beijing for talks aimed at easing a trade battle.
Trump said Sunday he spoke recently to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump says: "I really believe they want to make a deal. The tariffs have absolutely hurt China very badly."
After several tit-for-tat tariff increases, the leaders agreed December 1 to postpone further hikes. American officials are due in Beijing Monday.
Both governments face pressure to reach a settlement.
Chinese economic growth fell to 6.5 per cent in the quarter ending in September. Third-quarter US growth was 3.4 per cent and unemployment is at a five-decade low. But surveys show consumer confidence is weakening due to concerns about growth.
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