US companies front-load China orders after trade truce

WASHINGTON -- U.S. companies are rushing to import merchandise from China within a 90-day window after the world's two largest economies agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs and begin discussions to ease trade tensions.

Retailers that sell toys, apparel and other consumer goods have asked Chinese suppliers to release orders -- and started new orders -- following the decision by the White House to slash the tax on imported goods from China to 30% from 145% until Aug. 12.