LettersUS-China trade war is bearing fruit for other countries

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Schoolgirl Chloe Lam shops for cherries at the Yau Ma Tei fruit market. American-grown cherries have fallen in price in Hong Kong since tariffs were imposed on them on the mainland. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:46am, 7 Dec 2018Updated: 10:46am, 7 Dec 2018

I am writing in response to the article “Argentina reaches deal to export cherries to China” (December 3).

During the trade war that was sparked by competition between China and the US, China imposed higher tariffs on many American products. The tariff on fruit soared from 10 per cent to 50 per cent. These escalating costs put pressure on this industry. The tariffs also sent a shiver down the spine of global consumers as they limited the choices available.

China takes steps to support jobs as trade war hits employment

However, the situation has benefited the development of Argentina’s fruit industry. This shows that the trade war can be an opportunity for China to forge better relationships with other developing countries.

In addition, an agreement was reached to open the Chinese market to Argentinian beef and lamb. Meanwhile, the US recently agreed to end a nearly 17-year ban on imports of Argentinian beef due to concerns over foot-and-mouth disease affecting the country’s cattle.

The recent truce between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping means that inventories that had been stranded due to the trade war can start moving around the world again. In fact, as countries sign new agreements, we may even see an expanded range of choices.

Ken Au, Kwun Tong

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China takes steps to support jobs as trade war hits employment