‘Trade war could last a decade’: why Chinese firms are preparing for long haul

Shanghai-based fruit importer Lucas Liu is on the front line of the US-China trade war. The cost of American cherries, for example, has risen by roughly half, prompting him to cut back on what he orders from the United States.

Liu, who sells American cherries, apples, oranges, prunes and plums to Chinese consumers, is continuing to buy from the US to maintain his long-standing relationships with his suppliers – but he is also looking elsewhere.

This month he is planning a trip to Uzbekistan to assess the possibilities for cherry plantations there.

“I am buying much less than last year, but I won’t stop buying from American suppliers,” he said. “Turkey, Canada and Central Asia have quickly made up the shortfall as alternative suppliers.”