US trade data shows continued decline in US-China trade, ahead of leaders' meeting in Beijing to explore ways to stabilize relations.

Direct trade between China and the United States continues to shrink, new US government data showed on Thursday, as the anniversary of “Liberation Day” highlights how last year’s tariff escalations deepened tensions between the two global powers. The figures come ahead of a planned leaders’ meeting in Beijing next month, where both sides are expected to explore ways to stabilise relations after a period of renewed economic strain. The February international trade data by the US Census Bureau and...