Mnuchin Says US, China Phone Call Could Lead to In-person Talks

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testifies before the House Financial Services Committee hearing on "The Annual Testimony of the Secretary of the Treasury on the State of the International Financial System" in Washington, D.C. on May 22, 2019. Mary F. Calvert/Reuters

WASHINGTON—U.S. and Chinese officials will hold a telephone call later on July 18 that could pave the way for further in-person trade talks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC.

Mnuchin, speaking from the G7 meeting in Chantilly, France, said he and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will participate in the call with their Chinese counterparts, adding that it follows an earlier discussion with their staffs.