Chinese Official Warns Trump's Tariff Plan Will Backfire

Higher tariffs on Chinese exports will hurt U.S. consumers by increasing prices while China remains resilient against such “external shocks,” Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen stated during a press conference in Beijing, reported Zen Soo for the Associated Press.

Wang argued Trump's tariffs would fail to address the U.S. trade deficit and instead exacerbate inflation by raising costs for American imports. I Photo: Wang Shouwen

Responding to questions about President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese imports, Wang argued the measure would fail to address the U.S. trade deficit and instead exacerbate inflation by raising costs for American imports.

Wang emphasized China’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. based on mutual respect, describing stable economic and trade relations as beneficial for both nations.

He highlighted that China’s total foreign trade—including imports and exports—reached 36 trillion yuan (approximately $5 trillion) in the first ten months of 2024, representing a 5% year-on-year increase.