The contentious issue of steel tariffs was expected to be a difficult topic at the talks, but the two sides did not issue any statements on this.
The US blames Chinese excess capacity for a global steel glut that is hurting US producers, and has threatened to impose tariffs.
US Steel stocks were sharply higher as investors interpreted silence on the issue as an increased likelihood of US action on Chinese steel.
After the market closed, President Donald Trump told a reporter that steel tariffs "could happen", according to Reuters news agency.
Low expectations
Experts thought it was unlikely that the talks would produce any significant agreements on the most thorny issues.
In addition to steel, the US was expected to push Beijing on its subsidies for state-owned enterprises.
China was expected to focus on US refusals to sell Beijing advanced technology products.
It was unclear whether the talks covered US demands for China to put more pressure on North Korea over its nuclear and missile program.
Mr Trump has previously signalled that China might obtain improved trade terms in exchange for help on North Korea.
In May, the US and China reached a trade deal that opens the Chinese market to US credit rating agencies and credit card companies.
China also agreed to lift its ban on US beef imports and accept US shipments of liquefied natural gas.