The cancellation of import orders, first reported by Bloomberg News, involves orders made following the phase one trade pact between the two countries signed in January. China committed in the agreement to increasing purchases of U.S. goods and services by $200 billion over 2017 levels. U.S. officials have said China significantly stepped up purchases of American farm products since March, though purchases in other sectors have fallen short of expectations. The agriculture purchases would improve shipping markets hurt by trade tensions between China and the U.S. But maritime-industry analysts have said they are skeptical the targets can be achieved. More “The increase is a quite ambitious target,” said Peter Sand, chief shipping analyst at BIMCO, a shipping trade body based in Copenhagen. “The phase one deal […]