41.   Any escalation of a trade war could have a major impact on the Northwest, since The Boeing Co. and Microsoft Corp. have substantial interests in China.

42.   Argentina plans to avert a tit-for-tat trade war with Brazil by changing a law that taxes imports of sugar from its biggest trading partner.

43.   As recently as Tuesday morning, it looked as if both sides were at an impasse and a trade war was indeed possible.

44.   At that point, the trade war would threaten the jobs of Americans in ways the initial sanctions on high-priced Japanese autos do not.

45.   At the same time, Chairman Duncan would want everything possible to be done to avoid a trade war.

46.   At worst, a full-blown trade war could break out.

47.   Avoiding a trade war with China benefited American consumers and export workers.

48.   Bonds were given a boost from a stronger dollar amid optimisim that talks between the United States and Japan would produce a compromise to avert a potential trade war.

49.   A potential trade war runs counter to that goal.