Asian stock markets headed for a second straight week of gains on Friday and the dollar for its first weekly rise in more than a month as investors have welcomed an apparent softening of the White House stance on China,

American retailers are growing worried that President Trump's trade war and increased volatility will lead to empty shelves, higher prices and store closures as Chinese imports screech to a halt. Why it matters: Many retailers stocked up on inventory in the first months of 2025,

China exempted some U.S. imports from its steep tariffs in a sign on Friday that the trade war between the two countries could be easing, though China quickly knocked down U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that negotiations were underway.

Beijing has been canvassing companies and waiving duties on American goods in sectors where it lacks alternatives.

China exempts some U.S. imports from 125% tariffs Beijing seeks to mitigate economic fallout from trade war Some recent imports from US have not been subject to tariffs, AmCham says, citing members April 25 (Reuters) - China has exempted some U.