China urges global fightback after Trump's 104% trade tyranny move
China calls on the world to reject Trump's 'trade tyranny' (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
China has called on the international community to unite against Donald Trump's tariff policy after the US imposed import duties on Chinese goods as high as 104%, reports BBC.
Beijing has strongly condemned the sweeping new tariffs, labeling them "hegemonic" and "bullying" practices.
"Global unity can triumph over trade tyranny," declared state-run newspaper China Daily, highlighting China’s efforts to work with Japan, South Korea, and the EU to defend free trade.
"We firmly oppose and will never accept such hegemonic and bullying practices," said foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
The timing of the tariffs adds pressure to China’s already fragile economy, where domestic consumption remains weak and exports continue to be a key growth engine.
Analysts say the broad scope of the tariffs is disrupting global supply chains, leaving Chinese firms struggling to adapt. "Any tariff upwards of 35% will wipe out all the profits Chinese exporters make," said Dan Wang of Eurasia Group.
Business reaction and uncertain outlook
Chinese businesses, especially in logistics and manufacturing, are already feeling the squeeze.
"Higher tariffs raise costs for freight forwarders like us, as well as factories and sellers. It just means everyone earns less," said the owner of a cross-border logistics company.
Fuling, which supplies disposable tableware to McDonald’s and Wendy’s, warned the new tariffs would "significantly impact" its operations, noting that nearly two-thirds of its 2023 revenue came from the US.
Even relocation hasn’t helped: Fuling’s new factory in Indonesia, launched late last year, is now also subject to a 32% tariff.
Other businesses report declining freight volumes and halted construction projects in Southeast Asia.
"At 10–20% tariffs, businesses could still adapt by cutting margins or optimizing supply chains. But at 104%, trade becomes unsustainable," said Wu Changchun, general manager of Maritima Maruba.
As Beijing leaves the door open for talks, global markets are bracing for further instability.
