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

Axar.az reports citing Reuters.

Business groups said China has allowed some U.S.-made pharmaceuticals to enter the country without paying the 125% duties that Beijing imposed earlier this month in response to Trump's 145% tariffs on U.S. imports.

Also, a list of 131 product categories said to be under consideration for exemptions was circulating among some businesses and trade groups. It could not verify the list, which includes vaccines, chemicals, and jet engines, and China has not yet communicated publicly on the issue.

China denied that discussions were happening.

"China and the U.S. are NOT having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs. The U.S. should stop creating confusion," the Chinese Embassy in Washington wrote on social media.