China virus-safety demand the latest hurdle to a trade deal

ID 131792119 © Matyas Rehak | Dreamstime.com

The growing friction between China and the US and the transpacific trade talks are being given added piquancy by coronavirus pandemic and the growing fear in China that food imports could be a fresh source of infections. China now wants foreign exporters of meat and soybeans to sign pre-shipment certificates that show the products are not infected with Covid-19, according to Bloomberg. “China’s request isn’t a move aimed at imposing trade restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter. The ...