https://www.scmp.com/rss/507591/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Xiaofei Xu Xiaofei Xu China has condemned Mexico’s recent anti-dumping investigations targeting Chinese imports and has vowed to “take all necessary measures” to protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies. “China firmly opposes protectionist actions that undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests. We will closely follow the progress of Mexico’s investigations and urge Mexico to strictly abide by WTO rules in the process, so as to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies,”... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327820/beijing-blasts-mexico-over-protectionism-threatens-retaliation-amid-us-coercion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327820/beijing-blasts-mexico-over-protectionism-threatens-retaliation-amid-us-coercion?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:30:08 +0000 Alice Li,Kandy Wong Alice Li,Kandy Wong While US officials express expectations of meaningful progress in the next round of trade talks – where agricultural purchases are likely to top the agenda – analysts suggest soybeans are poised to become a key bargaining chip for China in upcoming negotiations, and a comprehensive deal may not be easily signed. James Downes, executive co-director at the Centre for Research and Social Progress, an Italian think tank, said that US President Donald Trump was “strongly motivated” to secure a... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327815/soybeans-chinas-new-bargaining-chip-trade-war-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327815/soybeans-chinas-new-bargaining-chip-trade-war-us?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:09 +0000 Sylvia Ma Sylvia Ma The Chinese yuan’s share in global foreign exchange (forex) trading climbed to 8.5 per cent this year while maintaining its position as the world’s fifth-most traded currency, according to survey findings by the so-called central bank for central banks. The proportion, unveiled by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in its 2025 Triennial Central Bank Survey – launched in April, with the findings released on Tuesday – showed an increase from 7 per cent in the 2022 survey, with the yuan’s... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327391/chinese-yuans-forex-market-share-grows-85-global-position-firms-bis-survey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327391/chinese-yuans-forex-market-share-grows-85-global-position-firms-bis-survey?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:00:10 +0000 Carol Yang Carol Yang As a new US port fee targeting China-built or -operated vessels is set to take effect in two weeks, China has revised its international maritime transport rules to allow retaliatory measures, including charging special fees or restricting access to Chinese ports. China will implement necessary countermeasures against any country or region that imposes or supports discriminatory bans, restrictions or similar measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels or crews, according to the revision... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327389/china-issues-retaliatory-rules-ahead-us-port-fee-targeting-chinese-vessels?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327389/china-issues-retaliatory-rules-ahead-us-port-fee-targeting-chinese-vessels?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Mia Nurmamat,Sylvia Ma Mia Nurmamat,Sylvia Ma Just hours before US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to settle the tumult surrounding TikTok, Beijing launched a sudden salvo in its ongoing trade war with Washington. As Trump’s order brought the fate of the popular short-video app closer to a resolution, a number of American firms were being hit with trade curbs. It not only marked the latest example of bilateral tensions flaring up during Trump’s second presidential term, analysts say it also reflected a pattern in the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327266/dare-fight-how-chinas-refined-art-deal-reflects-years-dealing-trump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327266/dare-fight-how-chinas-refined-art-deal-reflects-years-dealing-trump?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:00:13 +0000 Mandy Zuo,Ralph Jennings Mandy Zuo,Ralph Jennings As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to bring the widely watched TikTok dispute closer to a resolution, the move fuelled expectations of broader US-China trade deals when their leaders are expected to meet next month. The proposed divestiture, meanwhile, has also raised questions about the fate of Chinese and American companies investing and operating in each other’s markets. In the latest development in the saga involving the short-video app, Trump wrote in the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327024/tiktok-deal-us-china-investments-new-normal-or-reciprocity-risk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3327024/tiktok-deal-us-china-investments-new-normal-or-reciprocity-risk?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:00:15 +0000 Luna Sun Luna Sun As China drafts its 15th five-year plan – the next entry in a line of expansive blueprints that have set the tone for the country’s development over more than seven decades – we examine how these documents inform and reflect high-level policy priorities, what to expect in the coming iteration and how fine-tuning supply chains would work to China’s advantage. For more stories in this ongoing series, click here. On paper, when Apple unveiled its latest flagship smartphone earlier this month, all... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326808/chinas-unrivalled-supply-chains-still-have-weak-links-why-5-years-could-fix-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326808/chinas-unrivalled-supply-chains-still-have-weak-links-why-5-years-could-fix-them?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:00:10 +0000 Mandy Zuo Mandy Zuo China has called on the United States to lift its unilateral tariff measures so the two sides can restore normal trade flows of soybeans – a focal point of ongoing negotiations as many US farmers grow increasingly desperate for a bilateral deal to secure exports. Washington could take decisive action to ease tensions and bring trading of the crop – a critically important export for America’s agricultural industry – back to normalcy, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong said during a press... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326873/soybeans-sake-cancel-tariffs-china-urges-us-farmers-grow-desperate-harvest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326873/soybeans-sake-cancel-tariffs-china-urges-us-farmers-grow-desperate-harvest?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:09:47 +0000 Mia Nurmamat Mia Nurmamat China has pledged to safeguard the legitimate rights of its companies operating in the United States and work to stabilise economic and trade relations, as Beijing and Washington seek progress in ongoing trade negotiations. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao convened a round-table meeting in New York on Tuesday with executives from more than a dozen Chinese companies operating in the US, joined by the head of the China General Chamber of Commerce in the US. Wang warned that the global trade... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326839/beijing-vows-protect-chinese-firms-us-boost-bilateral-ties-amid-negotiation-process?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326839/beijing-vows-protect-chinese-firms-us-boost-bilateral-ties-amid-negotiation-process?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:05:02 +0000 Ji Siqi,Xiaofei Xu Ji Siqi,Xiaofei Xu China announced trade sanctions for six American companies on Thursday, another flare-up in its wide-ranging rivalry with the United States as the two countries prepare for a hotly anticipated meeting between their leaders. According to a statement from Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce, three US companies were added to the “unreliable entity list”, effectively banning them from trade and investment in China. The affected enterprises – unmanned vehicle firm Saronic Technologies, satellite company... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3326830/beijing-hits-6-us-companies-trade-restrictions-over-taiwan-arms-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3326830/beijing-hits-6-us-companies-trade-restrictions-over-taiwan-arms-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:42:55 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi China has pledged not to seek special and differential treatment – a provision of the World Trade Organization granting certain privileges to developing countries – in its dealings under the framework of the global trade body, an action that bolsters the country’s case that it is defending the multilateral trade system amid the tariff increases and other protectionist policies imposed by US President Donald Trump. “China, as a responsible major developing country, will not seek new special and... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326655/china-relinquish-wto-privileges-show-support-multilateral-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326655/china-relinquish-wto-privileges-show-support-multilateral-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:04:21 +0000 Xinyi Wu,Mia Nurmamat Xinyi Wu,Mia Nurmamat China’s imports of crude oil from Russia fell in August, but official data shows the change was offset by higher purchases from elsewhere, even as China’s purchases from the US remained suspended for a third straight month. By volume, China imported 15.2 per cent less crude oil from its northern neighbour last month, year on year, totalling 7.94 million tonnes. And analysts were mixed on whether the decline might be a temporary fluctuation or a sign of a broader trend. The latest customs data... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326395/chinas-crude-oil-imports-russia-dip-august-it-one-blip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3326395/chinas-crude-oil-imports-russia-dip-august-it-one-blip?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:00:20 +0000 Mia Nurmamat Mia Nurmamat China has launched its first direct break-bulk shipping service to Peru’s Chancay port, as it steps up its trade, investment and influence in Latin America. A vessel operated by Cosco Shipping Specialised Carriers departed last week from Suzhou in eastern Jiangsu province on its maiden voyage to the strategic gateway, with the journey expected to take about 32 days in total, according to local media outlet Suzhou Daily. The ship, named Greensuape, is carrying more than 30,000 tonnes of cargo,... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3325728/china-launches-first-direct-break-bulk-shipping-route-perus-chancay-port?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3325728/china-launches-first-direct-break-bulk-shipping-route-perus-chancay-port?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:00:11 +0000 Ralph Jennings,Kandy Wong Ralph Jennings,Kandy Wong Despite its vague wording, the new China-US framework deal on popular video-sharing app TikTok represents an important step in advancing bilateral talks and keeping ties warm ahead of any future meetings between the world’s two largest economies, according to analysts. And they added that Beijing could potentially try to leverage the TikTok deal by seeking tariff cuts or relief from hi-tech export controls. Officials from both powers confirmed after negotiations in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday and... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325752/peeling-us-china-tiktok-deal-analysts-see-layers-leverage-tariffs-and-soybeans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325752/peeling-us-china-tiktok-deal-analysts-see-layers-leverage-tariffs-and-soybeans?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:00:16 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings The Australian government has unveiled a plan to improve domestic exporters’ access to the Chinese market after Beijing’s removal of trade barriers that previously affected A$20 billion (US$13.3 billion) worth of the country’s goods. The two-year Accessing New Markets Initiative will provide A$50 million of funding in an attempt to “build on” China’s recent scrapping of several trade restrictions affecting Australian products, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement on... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3325631/australia-unveils-plan-boost-exports-china-trade-barriers-fade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3325631/australia-unveils-plan-boost-exports-china-trade-barriers-fade?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:20 +0000 Xiaofei Xu Xiaofei Xu Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are leading a new round of trade talks in Madrid, with the tariff truce reached in Stockholm set to expire in November. The delegations arrived at the Spanish foreign ministry in central Madrid on Sunday afternoon local time, just hours after the Chinese team touched down in the capital. A dozen journalists from Chinese and European outlets, including Spain’s public broadcaster TVE, had gathered outside the ministry building... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325494/china-us-trade-delegations-kick-fourth-round-talks-madrid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325494/china-us-trade-delegations-kick-fourth-round-talks-madrid?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:08:16 +0000 Luna Sun,Ralph Jennings,Kandy Wong Luna Sun,Ralph Jennings,Kandy Wong With the fragile US-China trade truce nearing its November expiry date after two 90-day extensions, next week’s talks in Madrid could be decisive – not only in determining the likelihood of a summit between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, but also whether the two sides can agree to a lasting settlement rather than another shaky detente, according to analysts. A fourth round of major trade talks between Beijing and Washington is set to unfold next week in the Spanish capital, with US... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325370/why-timely-us-china-trade-deal-could-hinge-next-weeks-madrid-meetings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325370/why-timely-us-china-trade-deal-could-hinge-next-weeks-madrid-meetings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:00:10 +0000 Ji Siqi,Ralph Jennings Ji Siqi,Ralph Jennings Chinese carmakers will likely feel the sting of Mexico’s anticipated 50 per cent tariff on cars imported from Asia, but their competitive prices and global operations may offset some of the pain, according to analysts. The proposed tariff hike, more than doubling the current level of 20 per cent, was included in a draft bill on raising levies on roughly 1,400 products – from textiles to steel – from countries with which Mexico does not have a trade deal. The bill was submitted to the Congress of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325223/why-mexicos-tariff-hike-chinese-cars-will-hit-not-cripple-their-competitiveness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3325223/why-mexicos-tariff-hike-chinese-cars-will-hit-not-cripple-their-competitiveness?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:00:11 +0000 Ji Siqi,Sylvia Ma,Jess Ma Ji Siqi,Sylvia Ma,Jess Ma Beijing reiterated its pledge to create a “single free-trade zone” incorporating mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau on Wednesday, as it seeks to deepen economic ties with the two special administrative regions (SARs) amid ongoing trade tensions with the US. The Ministry of Commerce would “explore and promote” the establishment of a unified free-trade area across the three distinct customs territories, Vice-Minister of Commerce Yan Dong said at the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. It would... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3325051/mainland-china-hong-kong-macau-free-trade-plan-still-motion-vice-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3325051/mainland-china-hong-kong-macau-free-trade-plan-still-motion-vice-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:00:08 +0000 Luna Sun Luna Sun China is looking to upgrade a free-trade deal with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) this year, underscoring Beijing’s push to diversify exports and lock in closer economic ties with its largest trading partner as global supply chains shift. “China will work closely with Asean to complete domestic approval procedures and push for the formal signing of the China-Asean Free Trade Area (Cafta) 3.0 upgrade protocol by the end of the year,” Vice-Minister of Commerce Yan Dong said on... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324870/china-aims-shore-asean-ties-free-trade-deal-30-us-protectionism-deepens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324870/china-aims-shore-asean-ties-free-trade-deal-30-us-protectionism-deepens?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:40:05 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings To get Southeast Asia’s coveted durians more quickly into the hands of Chinese consumers, a port operator in the relatively far-flung market of northeastern China is building a transit centre to handle seaborne imports of the pungent, spiky and often pricey fruit. Liaoning Port Group, part of which operates the major sea terminal in Dalian, kicked off construction of the Dalian Northeast Asia Fruit Transit Centre in late August, a group representative said this month. That project will... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3324744/chinas-durian-express-service-bring-asean-fruit-northeast-region-faster-fresher?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3324744/chinas-durian-express-service-bring-asean-fruit-northeast-region-faster-fresher?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:09 +0000 Alice Li Alice Li China has slapped American fibre-optic firms with anti-dumping tariffs – a move announced hours after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on a Guangzhou-based chemical firm, over fentanyl claims. The duties, ranging from 33.3 to 78.2 per cent, went into immediate effect and are to remain in place until April 2028, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday in an online statement. Specifically, OFS Fitel faces a 33.3 per cent tariff, Corning a 37.9 per cent levy, and Draka Communications Americas,... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324303/china-targets-us-fibre-optic-firms-after-washington-sanctions-chemical-producer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324303/china-targets-us-fibre-optic-firms-after-washington-sanctions-chemical-producer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:11 +0000 Ralph Jennings,Xinyi Wu Ralph Jennings,Xinyi Wu Despite a slowdown in automotive shipments from China to Russia, there is room for them to advance trade settled in yuan and roubles as both countries continue to be pressured away from the US market, analysts said on Tuesday during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the world’s second-largest economy. Russians want consumer goods, personal electronics and common machinery that are difficult to import from the West because of trade sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that began... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324077/despite-dip-chinas-exports-russia-new-deals-show-room-grow-amid-us-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324077/despite-dip-chinas-exports-russia-new-deals-show-room-grow-amid-us-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:00:09 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin stood shoulder to shoulder at this week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, fuelling speculation about their countries’ “no limits” partnership. But beyond the optics, many analysts focused on energy: specifically, the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. Valued at US$13.6 billion, the project was expected to be high on the bilateral agenda and would likely have featured when China, Russia and Mongolia – whose... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3324084/major-china-russia-gas-pipeline-deal-spotlight-sco-summit-faces-key-obstacle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3324084/major-china-russia-gas-pipeline-deal-spotlight-sco-summit-faces-key-obstacle?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:30:07 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi A slew of foreign leaders took China’s signature high-speed railway from the northern port city of Tianjin to Beijing on Monday and Tuesday, having departed from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to attend a Victory Day parade. Seven state leaders arrived on Monday night: President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Maldives Mohamed... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324061/foreign-leaders-ride-rapid-rails-chinas-technological-prowess-after-sco-summit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324061/foreign-leaders-ride-rapid-rails-chinas-technological-prowess-after-sco-summit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:31:46 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings A strong push on Monday to create a development bank serving 10 Eurasian countries, including China, would help insulate the group from increasingly risky US dollar-dominated trade while accelerating key infrastructure work, according to analysts. Such a concessional lender – part of an idea that has long been put on hold – would serve China, Russia, India and seven other nations that have worked together since 2001 as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). President Xi Jinping said at a... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323950/china-advances-development-bank-help-10-eurasian-countries-curb-us-dollar-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323950/china-advances-development-bank-help-10-eurasian-countries-curb-us-dollar-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:00:15 +0000 Ji Siqi,Kandy Wong Ji Siqi,Kandy Wong China’s drive for economic self-reliance is raising the spirits and prospects of its semiconductor industry, as insiders expect more home-grown technologies after Washington revoked waivers for some foreign-owned chipmakers’ factories in China to use US technologies in their operations. The Chinese branches of South Korean chipmakers Samsung and SK Hynix, as well as Intel Semiconductor (Dalian), will lose their fast-track status for compliance as “validated end-users”, meaning they will need to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323922/what-chinas-self-reliance-push-means-its-semiconductor-industry-us-hurdles-mount?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323922/what-chinas-self-reliance-push-means-its-semiconductor-industry-us-hurdles-mount?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:30:10 +0000 Carol Yang Carol Yang North Korea, one of the world’s most isolated and heavily sanctioned countries, has remained a major destination for Chinese wine exports this year, as the nation has few alternative options to source alcoholic drinks. North Korea bought 157,393 litres of wine from China in the first seven months of 2025 – more than double the volume imported during the same period last year – making it the second-largest buyer of Chinese bottled wine so far this year, trailing only Hong Kong, according to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323645/when-north-koreans-raise-toast-its-increasingly-chinese-wine-import-volume-surges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323645/when-north-koreans-raise-toast-its-increasingly-chinese-wine-import-volume-surges?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Aug 2025 06:00:08 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings The US government has drafted an expansion of its critical-minerals list to head off what an official said were potential “supply-chain disruptions”, in a move that experts say could help onshore more production of semiconductor chips, automotive systems and solar panels instead of relying on China. The US Department of the Interior released the draft 2025 List of Critical Minerals on Tuesday, adding 51 mined commodities such as copper, lead, potash, silicon and silver. This marks the second... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323661/us-expanding-critical-minerals-roster-guide-investment-reduce-reliance-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323661/us-expanding-critical-minerals-roster-guide-investment-reduce-reliance-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:00:12 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a 90-day extension on a slew of product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports. The exclusions, previously extended in June, contain 178 items that fall into the categories of chemical materials, electronic components, medical supplies and solar manufacturing equipment. As a result, these products will continue to be spared from levies of 7.5 to 25 per cent that were imposed on Chinese imports during US President... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323659/90-more-days-us-extends-exclusions-some-chinese-imports-section-301-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323659/90-more-days-us-extends-exclusions-some-chinese-imports-section-301-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:30:10 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi One of China’s top trade negotiators, Li Chenggang, will be meeting with relevant US officials this week while in Washington, the Ministry of Commerce has confirmed. “China is willing to work with the United States to continue leveraging the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanisms effectively, resolve issues through equal dialogue and consultation, and jointly maintain the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations,” ministry spokeswoman He... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323530/washington-chinas-top-trade-negotiator-readies-talks-no-formal-negotiations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323530/washington-chinas-top-trade-negotiator-readies-talks-no-formal-negotiations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:00:16 +0000 Mia Nulimaimaiti,Ralph Jennings Mia Nulimaimaiti,Ralph Jennings US President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to impose tariffs on imported furniture could erode some of China’s exports while doing little to bring manufacturing back to America as he promised, according to analysts. And they added that such a move risks escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies, whose earlier extension of a trade truce, coupled with conciliatory statements, had suggested a more amenable posture in trade negotiations. Trump announced plans to impose steep... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323381/china-trumps-furniture-tariff-threat-could-complicate-efforts-reassemble-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323381/china-trumps-furniture-tariff-threat-could-complicate-efforts-reassemble-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:25 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings South Korea’s investments announced this week for the US shipbuilding sector will mildly rock China’s busy shipyards but – at least in the short term – are unlikely to put a dent in the Chinese industry, which enjoys scale and cost advantages over other countries, according to analysts. The rack of intended investments from major companies in South Korea, the world’s second-largest shipbuilding nation after China, could test the Chinese sector after the US projects get moving several years down... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323226/korean-deals-us-will-rock-not-sink-chinas-giant-shipbuilding-sector-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3323226/korean-deals-us-will-rock-not-sink-chinas-giant-shipbuilding-sector-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 02:00:17 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Malaysia’s ban on exports of unprocessed rare earth metals this week signals that the Southeast Asian country has a realistic shot – on its own terms – at feeding the mineral-hungry United States amid its strained trade ties with the world’s dominant supplier, China, according to analysts. Kuala Lumpur will bar exports of unprocessed rare earth minerals, which are globally prized raw materials used in a range of electronic hardware, to keep supplies onshore for investment in downstream... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3322810/malaysia-flexes-rare-earth-muscle-mineral-hungry-us-seeks-non-chinese-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3322810/malaysia-flexes-rare-earth-muscle-mineral-hungry-us-seeks-non-chinese-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Aug 2025 02:00:22 +0000 Xiaofei Xu Xiaofei Xu From Paris to Athens, and Lisbon to Berlin, Europeans are enduring a prolonged and punishing summer heatwave amid global warming. And rising right alongside the blazing temperatures are China’s exports of air conditioners (ACs) to the continent, with a nearly 60 per cent jump by volume in July, compared with the same time last year, according to Chinese customs data. The Spanish capital of Madrid kicked off the week under a yellow alert – the third-highest heat warning on a four-tier scale –... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3322762/europes-scorching-heatwave-sets-demand-chinese-air-conditioners-ablaze?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3322762/europes-scorching-heatwave-sets-demand-chinese-air-conditioners-ablaze?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Aug 2025 08:00:12 +0000 Kandy Wong,Mia Nulimaimaiti Kandy Wong,Mia Nulimaimaiti Canada’s status as the dominant supplier of canola to China appears to be under threat as shipments plunge amid a tit-for-tat tariff battle between the two nations. And Australia is already emerging as an alternative source of the staple vegetable oil, analysts and industry insiders say. China’s imports of canola from Canada fell by 55 per cent year on year to 173,250 tonnes in July – the lowest level recorded since July 2023 – Chinese customs data showed. The value of those shipments was down... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3322525/china-turns-away-canadian-canola-australia-emerges-alternative-supplier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3322525/china-turns-away-canadian-canola-australia-emerges-alternative-supplier?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:19 +0000 Mia Nulimaimaiti Mia Nulimaimaiti China’s crude oil imports remained robust in July, fuelled by higher Russian shipments, while China’s purchases from the US remained suspended for a second straight month. The latest customs data shows that the volume of inbound crude oil reached 47.2 million tonnes in July, up 11.5 per cent from a year earlier. China purchased 8.71 million tonnes of crude oil from Russia, making it the top source of China’s crude imports last month, according to the official data. This marked a year-on-year... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3322541/china-turns-oil-tap-russia-purchases-us-crude-remain-suspended-july?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3322541/china-turns-oil-tap-russia-purchases-us-crude-remain-suspended-july?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:00:18 +0000 Alice Li Alice Li As China’s top leaders enjoy their summer retreat at the northern beach resort of Beihaihe, analysts are poring over the guest list for clues about Beijing’s priorities ahead of October’s crucial plenary meeting to agree on China’s next five-year plan. The list of invitees to the annual gathering, as reported by state media, suggests that China’s leaders are placing a heavy emphasis on science, innovation and entrepreneurship, as they seek to accelerate China’s development and application of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3321721/what-does-beidaihe-guest-list-tell-us-about-chinas-economic-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3321721/what-does-beidaihe-guest-list-tell-us-about-chinas-economic-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:00:17 +0000 Ji Siqi,Kandy Wong Ji Siqi,Kandy Wong With the tariff truce between China and the United States extended for another 90 days, and in the lead-up to a potential meeting of their presidents later this year, room for “piecemeal agreements” exists for the two countries in terms of export controls and purchases of goods, according to analysts. But the odds of significant breakthroughs – at least in the short term – are unlikely, as negotiations between the superpowers will continue to be difficult and serve as a long-term test of trade... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321606/whats-next-after-us-china-tariff-truce-and-why-it-far-walk-park?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321606/whats-next-after-us-china-tariff-truce-and-why-it-far-walk-park?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:00:07 +0000 Alice Li,Kandy Wong Alice Li,Kandy Wong China has launched an anti-dumping investigation into pea starch imported from Canada, marking Beijing’s latest retaliatory measure against Canada’s tariffs targeting Chinese steel. The probe was initiated at the request of domestic industry insiders, with preliminary evidence showing a significant increase in dumped Canadian pea starch in recent years, according to the Ministry of Commerce. “With import prices below domestic products, it has been causing losses and difficulties for China’s... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321610/china-launches-anti-dumping-investigation-canadian-pea-starch-imports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321610/china-launches-anti-dumping-investigation-canadian-pea-starch-imports?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:30:15 +0000 Carol Yang Carol Yang Even after securing another 90-day tariff truce with the US, China’s trade-diversification efforts are expected to continue reshaping shipping routes for the rest of the year, as transpacific routes remain under pressure following an initial front-loading phase. “Despite ongoing negotiations between the two countries, we believe it is unlikely that tariffs will be completely eliminated, which will continue to weigh on US import volumes,” said Jarl Milford, a maritime analyst at Veson... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321608/despite-us-china-tariff-truce-turning-tide-keeps-reshaping-shipping-routes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321608/despite-us-china-tariff-truce-turning-tide-keeps-reshaping-shipping-routes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:14 +0000 Bochen Han,Luna Sun Bochen Han,Luna Sun US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending by 90 days the US’s tariff truce with China, removing the risk of an immediate escalation hours before the ceasefire was set to expire, but leaving trade relations fragile. In the order released Monday night, Trump said that he took the action because Beijing had taken “significant steps” towards “remedying non-reciprocal trade arrangements and addressing the concerns of the United States relating to economic and national security... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321502/trump-extends-us-tariff-truce-china-cnbc-reports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3321502/trump-extends-us-tariff-truce-china-cnbc-reports?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:05:28 +0000 Alice Li,Kandy Wong Alice Li,Kandy Wong Rare earths are needed for everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, wind turbines and fighter jets – and China controls the supply chain. In the second of a four-part series, we look at how China gradually took a commanding role in the rare earth industry, and how the US is now working to strengthen its sources and production. Nearly a half-century removed from being the world’s dominant supplier of rare earth elements, California’s Mountain Pass mine is once again being tasked... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320805/us-its-mountain-pass-or-fail-bid-supplant-chinas-rare-earth-supremacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320805/us-its-mountain-pass-or-fail-bid-supplant-chinas-rare-earth-supremacy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:00:07 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong Even in the face of threats by US President Donald Trump to levy tariffs on countries that import Russian goods, analysts expect that China “will not stop” buying oil from its northern neighbour, given their mutually beneficial relationship of energy cooperation. Oil from Russia will continue to flow south over the long run because “China’s strategic goals require a stable and secure supply of critical resources such as oil”, said Matt Gertken, chief geopolitical strategist at BCA Research in... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320830/china-next-line-after-india-trump-tariff-threats-loom-over-russian-oil-purchases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320830/china-next-line-after-india-trump-tariff-threats-loom-over-russian-oil-purchases?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:00:08 +0000 Luna Sun Luna Sun The United States has become one of the most protected markets in the world, with its effective tariff rate against the world rising to 17 per cent from around 2 per cent last year – prompting renewed calls in China for greater trade diversification and a strategic push to seize opportunities in technological self-reliance and global governance. Fitch Ratings updated its US Effective Tariff Rate (ETR) Monitor – an interactive tool tracking tariff policy – last week, following Washington’s... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320827/us-effective-tariff-rate-rises-17-analysts-say-china-has-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320827/us-effective-tariff-rate-rises-17-analysts-say-china-has-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:15:08 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Amid falling prices and stiff competition from imports, China has unveiled plans to bolster the cattle industry – the latest in a series of policies aimed at strengthening key agricultural sectors. China will step up its beef production and implement a quality-grading system for locally produced beef to promote consumption of high-quality versions of the meat – part of an effort announced by the nation’s top economic planner and nine government departments to boost consumption of farm produce. A... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3320685/chinas-beef-prices-are-still-low-beijings-new-plan-aims-wrangle-consumption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3320685/chinas-beef-prices-are-still-low-beijings-new-plan-aims-wrangle-consumption?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:00:09 +0000 Alice Li Alice Li In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff blitz on dozens of economies, China has reiterated a stern warning against protectionism amid growing concern that it will “harm the interests of all parties”. “China’s position against the arbitrary imposition of tariffs has been consistent and clear: there are no winners in tariff or trade wars,” Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference on Friday. Beijing’s latest admonishment came after... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320475/china-rebukes-protectionism-after-trumps-new-tariff-barrage-warns-it-will-harm-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320475/china-rebukes-protectionism-after-trumps-new-tariff-barrage-warns-it-will-harm-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:00:09 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 50 per cent tariff on certain copper imports – notably excluding refined copper – on Wednesday, sending US copper prices tumbling by around 20 per cent to US$4.44 a pound as of Thursday afternoon. The move clarified the scope of Trump’s initial announcement in early July, which had led US futures prices to rally to a record high of nearly US$6 and prompted traders to accelerate shipments in anticipation of widespread duties. In this... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320285/trumps-cooper-tariff-tumult-sees-prices-fall-scope-impact-defies-expectations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320285/trumps-cooper-tariff-tumult-sees-prices-fall-scope-impact-defies-expectations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:30:13 +0000 Xiaofei Xu,Khushboo Razdan,Frank Chen,Ralph Jennings Xiaofei Xu,Khushboo Razdan,Frank Chen,Ralph Jennings China and the United States have diverged on the timing for another pause on tariff increases, a hurdle that must be cleared before the world’s two largest economies reach a trade deal ahead of an August 12 deadline. After their two days of talks in Stockholm, Sweden, Chinese negotiators declared a consensus for an extension of the pause on tariff increases, while the American side insisted that no deal would be final without US President Donald Trump’s explicit approval. The Chinese side did... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320049/china-us-finish-stockholm-trade-talks-agreement-extend-tariff-pause?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3320049/china-us-finish-stockholm-trade-talks-agreement-extend-tariff-pause?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:58:38 +0000 Ji Siqi,Luna Sun,Kandy Wong Ji Siqi,Luna Sun,Kandy Wong As a framework trade deal was struck between the United States and the European Union on the eve of a new round of trade talks between Beijing and Washington, analysts said China was in a position to stay calm and wait to see how the deal actually pans out, even if the US is likely to use it as a bargaining chip. But Beijing should still be aware of the potential alliance between its two major trading partners in the economic sphere, as the US and EU could transform shared sore points into a... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3319866/where-does-china-stand-after-us-trade-deal-eu-seen-more-rhetoric-substance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3319866/where-does-china-stand-after-us-trade-deal-eu-seen-more-rhetoric-substance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:00:08 +0000