Tariff rollercoaster prompts Chinese exporters to 'give up' on US

Key Points

  • Chinese exporters are shifting focus to markets in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa due to erratic U.S. tariff policies and trade tensions.
  • Exports from China grew by 7.1% to 19.95 trillion yuan ($2.80 trillion) in the first nine months of the year, despite a significant decline in U.S.-bound goods.
  • Manufacturers like Jacky Ren of Gstar Electronics have largely abandoned the U.S. market, citing exhaustion from tariff fluctuations and seeking new markets to offset losses.
  • Competition in new markets has intensified, eroding prices and making it challenging for exporters to remain profitable, with some selling at a loss.
  • At the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, no U.S. buyers were reported among 15 companies surveyed, with increased interest from Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Summary

Chinese exporters are pivoting away from the U.S. market amid unpredictable tariff policies and trade disputes, focusing instead on regions like Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Despite a significant drop in U.S.-bound goods, China's exports grew by 7.1% to 19.95 trillion yuan ($2.80 trillion) in the first nine months of the year, showcasing economic resilience ahead of third-quarter GDP data. Manufacturers like Jacky Ren of Gstar Electronics have abandoned the U.S. market, exhausted by tariff volatility, while others, like Halloween decoration maker Lou Xiaobo, report halved revenues due to insufficient global demand to replace U.S. orders. At the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, no U.S. buyers were present among surveyed companies, with increased interest from other regions. However, intensified competition in new markets has driven down prices, forcing some exporters to sell at a loss. Many, including Cherry Yuan of Foshan Greenyellow Electric Technology, express frustration with the instability of U.S. trade relations, while Cai Jing of a travel mug company notes that U.S. buyers, not exporters, have initiated the market withdrawal. This shift highlights both the adaptability and the challenges facing China's export sector in a turbulent global trade environment.

yahoo
October 17, 2025
Stocks
Read article

Related news