“We applaud the U.S. and Chinese governments for agreeing to this first milestone in the trade negotiations,” said Slater. “As the two sides continue these significant conversations, we encourage them to continue to work in good faith, reaching the second phase of negotiations and the removal of all tariffs. These levies hurt American equipment manufacturers, farmers, and families and make the cost of doing business more expensive. They also make it harder to create new jobs and add to the 1.3 million jobs our industry already supports. AEM hopes this agreement will pave the way for the elimination of the remaining tariffs and increase U.S. exports to the Chinese market. As American voters look toward the November election, the economy and health of the equipment manufacturing industry is weighing heavily on their minds. Creating lasting economic prosperity and a pro-growth trade environment is paramount.”