Mnuchin, speaking to reporters after remarks to a U.S. mayors conference, was not specific on the areas where he saw progress but said he looked forward to discussions with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He next week, when currency will also be on the agenda.

"Currency has always been part of the discussions, it's on a list, it's one of the important issues, we've talked about it all the time, so it'll continue to be on it," Mnuchin said. He declined comment when asked about the yuan's recent strength.

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Sandra Maler)