Trump seeks increased input from top business groups on China deal

The Trump administration is intensifying its outreach to top U.S. business groups on a developing trade deal with China as optimism grows that the White House can reach an agreement to avoid higher tariffs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, and the National Association of Manufacturers have all met recently with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to discuss the issue. In December, for example, Lighthizer joined the manufacturing group’s executive committee meeting and talked one-on-one with CEO Jay Timmons.