In February, Chinese manufacturers saw a surge in orders as importers rushed to beat the higher U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Trump had increased tariffs on imports from China to 10%, with plans to raise it to 20% starting Tuesday. The Global Times reported that Beijing was considering retaliatory measures against these tariffs.
As tensions escalated, Chinese officials assured that they would take necessary steps to protect their rights and interests. The possibility of targeting U.S. agricultural and food products was mentioned as a potential retaliation strategy. Despite ongoing trade discussions between the two countries, uncertainty looms over the Chinese economy.
Amidst these challenges, surveys showed a positive trend in factory activity, with China’s official purchasing managers index rising to 50.2% in February. However, concerns remain about the impact of tariffs on future growth. Premier Li Qiang is expected to address these issues at the annual National People’s Congress session.
Looking ahead, China aims to boost consumer spending and support private industries to stimulate economic growth. Efforts to enhance exports and targeted spending have been part of the strategy to navigate through the current economic landscape. The year 2025 marks the culmination of key policy initiatives, setting the stage for China’s economic transformation.