Li Wei took over his father’s glass-making business in Cangzhou, China in 2020 and made significant changes to improve operations. He relocated the factory to a new site outside the city for better access to road networks and more space for expansion. The company’s focus shifted from selling glass components domestically to exporting finished glass products worldwide. This move led to a successful export business, particularly in the United States, which accounted for 80 percent of their exports.
However, Li and his colleagues are now concerned about the potential impact of former US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods. If re-elected, Trump plans to impose tariffs of 60 percent or more on Chinese exports to the US, which could significantly affect Li’s business and competitiveness. To mitigate potential losses, Li has been working tirelessly to explore new export markets but has struggled to find a suitable alternative to the US market.
Other Chinese exporters, like Sotech, a producer of electronic components, are also worried about the impact of these tariffs. With a significant portion of their exports going to the US, a 60 percent tariff could disrupt their business and force them to cut staff. Economists warn that such tariffs could have serious consequences for Chinese manufacturers and the overall economy, potentially leading to job losses and economic slowdown.
Chinese authorities are working to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on the US, but finding alternative markets at the same scale remains a challenge. As other countries follow the US with similar tariff measures, Chinese exporters are facing increasing pressure to adapt and find new export opportunities. The uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the US and potential tariff hikes is creating anxiety among Chinese businesses and workers, who fear the impact on their livelihoods and the economy as a whole.