The United States and China have agreed to a preliminary trade framework after two days of talks in Geneva, according to senior negotiators from both sides. The announcement signals a possible pause in months of friction over tariffs and technology restrictions.

Officials described the outcome as a constructive step, though they stopped short of presenting a final deal. The framework is intended to guide further talks on trade barriers and export controls, two of the most sensitive issues in the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.

The Geneva meeting came as both governments faced pressure to stabilize a relationship that has been strained by tariffs, semiconductor limits, and wider strategic competition. While the latest agreement does not resolve the core disputes, it suggests that channel for dialogue remains open.

Further negotiations are expected as Washington and Beijing test whether the preliminary understanding can be turned into a broader accord. For now, the result marks a modest improvement in a relationship that has been under significant strain.