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One-year truce: The U.S. and China are discussing targeted tariff cuts on American energy and agricultural products, as well as Chinese manufacturing inputs, potentially helping extend the countries’ one-year trade truce. The talks could produce a limited agreement covering roughly $30 billion in trade, with agriculture playing a key role as China continues purchases of U.S. soybeans and other farm products. A deal would signal continued cooperation between Washington and Beijing despite broader disputes over AI, export controls and Taiwan. Bloomberg has the full story.
Expansion: Frymaster LLC, the Shreveport-based manufacturer of commercial foodservice equipment, is investing $11.5 million to expand its operations in Caddo Parish. The company is expected to create 47 direct new jobs. The expansion will center on Frymaster’s newly acquired facility on Line Avenue, next to its existing manufacturing operations. Shipping and warehousing operations are already underway in the new facility, and over the next five years, additional space will be modernized to increase production capacity and support new fabrication capabilities and product development. Read more from Louisiana Economic Development.
New record high: The average U.S. diesel price has reached a record $6.27 per gallon, up sharply from $3.69 a year ago, as crude oil prices and global supply concerns push fuel markets higher. Refinery constraints, seasonal maintenance and disruptions to oil and diesel supplies from the Middle East and Russia could keep the market tight as demand for heating fuel and agricultural harvesting rises. Because diesel powers trucks, construction equipment, ships and heating systems, prolonged high prices could raise freight, food, construction and household energy costs across the economy. The Wall Street Journal has the full story.
